Question

Read the following scenario and answer the questions below.
Natural disasters are a fundamental and unavoidable element of our environment. Some observers have commented that natural disasters on Earth have become more frequent, intense, and destructive in recent years. People settled in many regions of Canada need to be watchful of oncoming tornados, mud slides, fires, hurricanes, and flooding. As we have seen in recent years, disasters such as these can directly kill thousands of people and other organisms. Indirectly, they significantly alter the habitats of many organisms, as the soil, air, and water are adversely affected by these events and their aftermaths. Many say that modern human lifestyle choices have contributed to the devastating nature of these natural disasters. Burning fossil fuels alters climate, making hurricanes more intense. Suppressing fires can lead to fires that burn out of control, as they have fuel that has built up for years. Deforestation makes areas more susceptible to erosion. Sediment that runs off can pollute waterways so terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems can become irreversibly damaged. Little environmental stresses are magnified.
Which of the following human activities most directly contributes to an increased incidence of mud slides?
A) aquifer depletion
B) application of nitrogen-containing fertilizers
C) hunting
D) deforestation
E) oil drilling

Answer

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