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A factor that increases humanity's ecological footprint is
a. human population growth.
b. technological innovations that improve the efficiency with which
c. renewable energy sources.
d. sustainable agriculture.
Introduction:
The estimate of regions of the earth engaged in the production of resources for human beings and the absorption of wastes produced by human beings is described as the human ecological footprint. The available capacity for waste absorption and resource production on the earth is defined as biocapacity. The present situation of the earth shows that the human ecological footprint has exceeded biocapacity. In case conservation of resources is not entertained, then living beings will soon run out of natural resources.
Answer to Problem 1MC
Correct answer:
A factor that increases humanity’s ecological footprint is human population growth.
Explanation of Solution
Explanation for the correct answer:
Option (a) is given that a factor that increases humanity’s ecological footprint is human population growth. It is true because natural resources are used up very fast by increasing population to fulfill their needs. The requirement of natural resources increases with increasing population. This causes overexploitation of ecosystems. Hence, option (a) is correct.
Explanation for incorrect answers:
Option (b) is given that a factor that increases humanity’s ecological footprint is technological innovations that improve the efficiency, with which resources are used. All kinds of technologies are invented by human beings. The main issue of increasing human ecological footprint is increasing the population. So, it is an incorrect option.
Option (c) is given that a factor that increases humanity’s ecological footprint is renewable energy resources. These resources include tidal, solar, geothermal, hydro and wind energy. Renewable natural resources help in conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem. So, it is an incorrect option.
Option (d) is given that a factor that increases humanity’s ecological footprint is sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agriculture is done in order to protect the nature along with fulfilling the human needs. So, it is an incorrect option.
Hence, options (b), (c), and (d) are incorrect.
Therefore, it can be concluded that human population growth is a factor that increases humanity’s ecological footprint.
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Chapter 31 Solutions
Biology: Life on Earth (11th Edition)
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Concepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax College