Which of the following statements best describes the impact of human activities on the cycling of nutrients in natural systems?
A)Human activities are essentially benign and have little lasting impact on either atmospheric or sedimentary nutrient cycling.
B)Human activities have profoundly impacted nutrient cycling, particularly with those nutrients that cycle within the atmosphere.
C)Human activities like mining, construction, and road building disrupt the Earth's surface and greatly increase those nutrients with sedimentary cycling pathways.
D)Human activities in general significantly enhance nutrient availability and are almost always associated with ecosystem improvements.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Human activities have had a profound impact on nutrient cycling, particularly with those nutrients that cycle within the atmosphere (such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus). This is due to activities such as burning fossil fuels, agriculture, and land-use change. These activities release large amounts of nutrients into the atmosphere, altering the balance of nutrient cycling and causing environmental problems such as eutrophication and climate change.

Which of the Following Statements Best Describes the Impact of Human