Chapter 1
United States History, Government, and Citizenship
Course: Elementary Education Multiple Subjects 5001
Subject: Elementary Education Social Studies Subtest 5004
Chapter: Geography Anthropology And Sociology
1. How Humans Modify the Environment (Anthropogenic Influence)
Humans interact with and alter physical environments through technology, settlement, agriculture, and resource exploitation. These modifications can have positive outcomes (economic growth) but also negative consequences (environmental degradation).
a. Agriculture and Land Use Changes
- Humans clear forests (deforestation), drain wetlands, or reclaim deserts to expand agriculture.
Example: In California’s Central Valley, wetlands were drained to support the U.S.’s most productive agricultural zone.
Impact: Soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of water cycles.
- Example: In California’s Central Valley, wetlands were drained to support the U.S.’s most productive agricultural zone.
- Impact: Soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of water cycles.
b. Industrialization and Pollution
- Factories, power plants, and motor vehicles emit CO₂, SO₂, and particulate matter into the atmosphere.