human influences

• What has caused the demand for food to increase?

  The rapid increase in the human population
• How has agricultural machinery evolved?

  From simple hand tools to complex powered machines
• What is one use of agricultural machinery?

  Preparation of fields for planting
• How does increased machinery use affect farming costs?

  It reduces labor costs and time needed
• What is a fertilizer?

  A substance containing nutrients for plant growth
• When are chemical fertilizers used?

  When nutrients are missing or low in soil
• What is a benefit of using chemical fertilizers?

  They can increase crop yield
• What is a disadvantage of natural fertilizers?

  Nutrient concentration cannot be tailored
• What do artificial fertilizers contain?

  Purified chemicals
• How can artificial fertilizers be beneficial?

  They can supply exact nutrient amounts
• What do insecticides do?

  They kill insects to protect crops
• Why are herbicides used in agriculture?

  To kill plants competing for resources
• What is the main advantage of selective breeding?

  Improves desirable features in crops and animals
• What does monoculture mean in farming?

  Growing only one variety of crop at a time
• What are the advantages of intensive farming?

  • Simplifies farming processes
  • Consistent material usage
  • Increases yield efficiency
  • Reduces overall costs
• What are the disadvantages of intensive farming?

  • Leads to deforestation and habitat loss
  • Reduces biodiversity
  • Causes soil damage and erosion
  • Results in water and air pollution
• What is biodiversity?

  The variety of living organisms in an ecosystem
• How do human activities impact habitats?

  They lead to habitat destruction and fragmentation
• What is habitat fragmentation?

  Breaking down habitats into smaller sections
• What is one consequence of livestock farming?

  It destroys habitats for meat production
• How does extraction of natural resources affect habitats?

  It creates pollution and destroys habitats
• What is a quarry?

  A deep hole for removing stones
• How does sand extraction affect aquatic species?

  It alters water flow and riverbed composition
• What causes water pollution?

  Particles, chemicals, or unnatural sounds
• What are some sources of freshwater pollution?

  Oil spills, untreated sewage, mining waste
• How do nitrates from fertilizers affect rivers?

  They can lead to harmful algal blooms
• What can heavy metal runoff cause?

  Danger to water life and human health