Earth's Resources: Forests and the Land

Question 1

Describe at least two ways in which forests serve as an important resource for mankind.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Forests provide materials such as timber, paper, and fuel, and they also provide foods and substances used in medicines. In addition, forests absorb carbon dioxide, help regulate water and protect soil, and provide habitat for wildlife.

Question 2

Describe how leaching can limit the use of land as a resource, and explain how this problem can be overcome.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Leaching happens when water washes dissolved nutrients down through the soil and away from plant roots. As a result, soil becomes less fertile and may produce smaller or fewer crops. The problem can be reduced by replacing nutrients with compost or fertilizer and by using practices such as cover crops and careful irrigation to keep nutrients in the soil.

Question 3

When a country has a large population, but very little arable land, what challenges might it experience?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A country with many people but little arable land may not be able to grow enough food for its population. It could face food shortages and high food prices, become dependent on imports, and experience competition for usable land and water.

Question 4

Which of the following statements best describes a consequence of deforestation? A. Deforestation causes soil to lose vegetation, allowing heavy rains to wash away the topsoil and to cause flooding by clogging up rivers. B. Deforestation allows too much oxygen to be released into the atmosphere, making the atmosphere too clean for living things to survive. C. Deforestation causes soil erosion, which helps topsoil to maintain its nutrients for further plant growth. D. Deforestation protects the habitats of many plant species, some of which are used to make important medicines. Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A

Question 5

Examine the impact of widespread deforestation and clearcutting on environments. How can the effects of deforestation be lessened?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Widespread deforestation and clear-cutting destroy habitats and reduce biodiversity. Removing trees also exposes soil to erosion, increases runoff and flooding, and can send sediment into waterways. Forest loss reduces the amount of carbon dioxide trees absorb and can contribute to climate change. These effects can be lessened by protecting forest areas, limiting clear-cutting, using selective and sustainable logging practices, and replanting trees in cleared areas.

Question 6

Which statement describes the most likely effect for a country with a large population and a small amount of arable land?A. It produces more food than can be used.B. It struggles to produce enough food to support its population.C. It exports most of its food to other countries.D. It pays less for food than countries with more arable land do. Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B

Question 7

What would a poor farmer in a very poor country most likely do to prevent leaching? A. The farmer would buy expensive fertilizer to keep the soil full of nutrients. B. The farmer would use expensive chemicals that provide the topsoil with nutrients needed for crops. C. The farmer would plant the same crop over and over again instead of rotating crops. D. The farmer would plant cover crops, leave them to die over the winter, and let them serve as natural fertilizers. Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Revolt · Accepted Answer

D

Question 8

Pretend that you are a farmer. Your land is suffering from soil erosion, and you need to decide how to protect your topsoil from further erosion. Which strategy would be most helpful in solving your problem?A. Clear out trees and shrubs that line the edges of the fields.B. Remove all harvested crops before the winter.C. Plant windbreaks around the edges of the field.D. Till the fields in straight lines when the land is uneven. Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C

Question 9

Describe how soil erosion can limit the use of land as a resource, and explain how this problem can be overcome.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Soil erosion removes the nutrient-rich topsoil that plants need, making land less fertile and limiting its usefulness for growing crops. It can also carry sediment into streams and other waterways. The problem can be reduced by keeping soil covered with plants or cover crops, planting windbreaks, and using practices such as contour plowing or terracing on slopes.

Question 10

Which example best illustrates a way in which land is being used as a resource for the benefit of humans?A. The Rocky Mountains are home to several endangered species of predatory birds.B. The waters around Australia are home to the world’s largest coral reefs.C. Scientists have now created an artificial fuel that will replace the use of coal as a fuel.D. Land in a hilly valley is flattened to make building and road construction much easier. Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Revolt · Accepted Answer

D

Earth's Resources: Forests and the Land Answers

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