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Cite the most important reason as to why Land degradation, landslides, soil erosion, desertification etc are major threats to the environment, from the following options.
  • a)
    Because of the expansion on agriculture and construction activities
  • b)
    Because people and their demands are growing because the availability of land is not limited.
  • c)
    Because of the superior quality of land used for cultivation
  • d)
    Because of suitable, planned and scientific methods of cultivation
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Cite the most important reason as to why Land degradation, landslides,...
The most important reason for land degradation, landslides, soil erosion, and desertification being major threats to the environment is because of the expansion on agriculture and construction activities. These activities often involve the clearing of land and the alteration of natural landscapes, which can lead to soil erosion and degradation. Land degradation is a significant environmental issue because it can reduce the productivity of land and make it less capable of supporting plant and animal life. It can also contribute to other environmental problems such as landslides and desertification. Therefore, it is important to consider the environmental impacts of agriculture and construction activities and to take steps to minimize their negative effects on the land.
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Cite the most important reason as to why Land degradation, landslides,...
Introduction:
Land degradation, landslides, soil erosion, and desertification are major threats to the environment. Among the given options, the most important reason for these threats is the expansion of agriculture and construction activities.

Expansion of agriculture and construction activities:
1. Increased demand for land: With a growing population and increasing urbanization, the demand for land for agriculture and construction has risen significantly. As people's needs and demands grow, the availability of land becomes limited. This leads to the conversion of natural ecosystems like forests, grasslands, and wetlands into agricultural fields or urban areas.

2. Deforestation: In order to clear land for agriculture or construction, large-scale deforestation takes place. This removal of vegetation cover exposes the soil to erosion, as vegetation acts as a natural barrier against wind and water erosion. Deforestation also disrupts the natural water cycle, leading to reduced groundwater recharge and increased surface runoff, which further contributes to soil erosion and landslides.

3. Loss of soil fertility: Intensive agricultural practices often involve the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and excessive irrigation. These practices can lead to soil degradation and the loss of soil fertility. Chemical fertilizers can alter the soil's natural composition and lead to nutrient imbalances, while pesticides can harm beneficial soil organisms. Excessive irrigation can lead to waterlogging and salinization, making the soil unsuitable for cultivation.

4. Increased vulnerability to natural disasters: The expansion of agriculture and construction can increase the vulnerability of an area to natural disasters such as landslides and desertification. Improper land use practices, such as excessive deforestation and construction on unstable slopes, can weaken the stability of the land and increase the risk of landslides. Similarly, the removal of vegetation cover and unsustainable farming practices can contribute to desertification, turning once fertile land into arid and unproductive areas.

5. Loss of biodiversity: The conversion of natural habitats into agricultural fields or urban areas leads to the loss of biodiversity. Many plant and animal species rely on specific ecosystems for their survival, and the destruction of these ecosystems can result in the extinction or decline of species. This loss of biodiversity can disrupt the functioning of ecosystems, leading to imbalances and negative impacts on the environment.

Conclusion:
The expansion of agriculture and construction activities is the most important reason for land degradation, landslides, soil erosion, and desertification. It leads to deforestation, loss of soil fertility, increased vulnerability to natural disasters, and loss of biodiversity. To mitigate these threats, sustainable land management practices, reforestation efforts, and the promotion of responsible land-use planning are essential.
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Cite the most important reason as to why Land degradation, landslides, soil erosion, desertification etc are major threats to the environment, from the following options.a)Because of the expansion on agriculture and construction activitiesb)Because people and their demands are growing because the availability of land is not limited.c)Because of the superior quality of land used for cultivationd)Because of suitable, planned and scientific methods of cultivationCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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Cite the most important reason as to why Land degradation, landslides, soil erosion, desertification etc are major threats to the environment, from the following options.a)Because of the expansion on agriculture and construction activitiesb)Because people and their demands are growing because the availability of land is not limited.c)Because of the superior quality of land used for cultivationd)Because of suitable, planned and scientific methods of cultivationCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Cite the most important reason as to why Land degradation, landslides, soil erosion, desertification etc are major threats to the environment, from the following options.a)Because of the expansion on agriculture and construction activitiesb)Because people and their demands are growing because the availability of land is not limited.c)Because of the superior quality of land used for cultivationd)Because of suitable, planned and scientific methods of cultivationCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Cite the most important reason as to why Land degradation, landslides, soil erosion, desertification etc are major threats to the environment, from the following options.a)Because of the expansion on agriculture and construction activitiesb)Because people and their demands are growing because the availability of land is not limited.c)Because of the superior quality of land used for cultivationd)Because of suitable, planned and scientific methods of cultivationCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
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