Environmental Resources Worksheet

University of Phoenix Material Environmental Resources Worksheet Using the assigned readings from Week Four, write a 50- to 75-word response to each of the following questions. Your responses will be assessed according to the accuracy of the content. Minerals 1. How do minerals affect society?
Minerals have aided in the continuous growth of developing nations and also, "had abundant mineral deposits that enabled them to industrialize" (Berg, 2013). However, as a consequence of industrialization, "these countries largely depleted their domestic reserves of minerals so that they must increasingly turn to developing countries" (Berg, 2013). Also, minerals affect the global economy. For example, China "controls more than
What is your definition of soil? What is soil composed of? Why is soil important to the environment?
Soil is the uppermost layer of the Earth and supports life on earth. Soil is composed of four parts: mineral particles, organic matter, water, and air. Soil is very important to the environment because various organisms depend on soil for life and "supports virtually all terrestrial food webs" (Berg, 2013).
4. What types of organisms are found in soil? Determine the relationship between soil and organisms.
Ants, moles, snakes, and earthworms are just a small number of the many organisms that are found in soil. Essentially, organisms and soil depend on each other to remain balanced. Organisms that live in soil provide "ecosystem services, such as maintaining soil fertility, preventing soil erosion, breaking down toxic materials, and cleansing water" (Berg, 2013).
5. What is soil erosion? How can soil become polluted? What effect does soil erosion and pollution have on the environment?
Soil erosion is the "wearing away or removal of soil from the land" (Berg, 2013). Being that soil erosion reduces the amount of soil in an area, vegetation growth can become very limited. As a result, it disrupts the balance of the ecosystem by eliminating food
The vital minerals that are needed by soil are washed away because there are no trees to absorb them. Also, this takes away food sources and shelter for various organisms. This disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems. Selective cutting, is when a small group of mature tress are individually cut or in small clusters. This means that the rest of the forest is left undisturbed. However, this method is expensive and does not generate timber needed quickly enough.
10. What is a rangeland? Describe rangeland degradation and desertification. What effect does degradation and desertification have on the environment? Is there a preferred method for harvesting trees? Explain.
Rangelands are "grasslands, in both temperate and tropical climates, that serve as important areas of food production for humans by providing fodder for livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats" (Berg, 2013). Degradation is "both a natural and a human-induced process that decreases the future ability of the land to support crops or livestock" (Berg, 2013). Desertification is progressive degradation that produces desert-like conditions on land that was used previously and was plentiful.
11. What is overgrazing? What effect does this have on rangelands? What strategies can be employed for managing and conserving forests and