Question

Humans often convert grosslands into farm fields to grow crops. Describe why the conversion of temperate grasslands, such as in the central United States, into agricultural areas is an
environmental problem.​

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

Grasslands are highly important habitats for hundreds to thousands of ecologically important species of fauna and flora that are adapted to the extreme conditions that occur here. However, they are currently threatened by human activities such as habitat destruction and fragmentation for their transformation into agricultural areas.

This disturbance can lead to the alteration of the soil if agricultural practices are not carried out properly, which would have detrimental consequences for the growth of species of flora. Moreover, farmers tend to use a high level of pesticides that, after being carried away by rain or wind, are dangerous for wildlife and the presence of grazing animals can also lead to the destruction of different species of grass that compose the habitat of these organisms. In addition, researchers suggest that, as rainfall patterns change with climate change, these ecosystems could become deserts due to the lack of vegetation.