Title: Explain the effect of major land development on the environment and ecosystems.
Course: Introduction to Natural Resources and Ecology Systems (18504) > Section: Examining Land Use

Explanation should include how land used for agriculture, industry, and commercial development affects the environment and ecosystems in terms of

- sedimentation
- nutrient load
- air quality
- plant life
- wildlife
- aquatic plant life
- animal life
- macroinvertebrates
- fisheries
- loss of farmland
- urban heat island effects and stormwater runoff modeling.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What are the effects of sedimentation?
- What steps are currently being taken by land developers to limit harmful effects on the environment, and how effective are these steps?
- How have agricultural practices evolved to lessen adverse effects on the environment?
- What types of development are most detrimental to the environment and ecosystems?
- What methods can be used to mitigate adverse impacts caused by land development?