Choice: Please select the best answer and click “submit.” What is a benefit of using technology to transport water? A. Wetlands can dry out and sinkholes can form. B. Surface water and groundwater supplies can be depleted. C. Habitats can be displaced or entirely lost. D. Cities can be built in otherwise uninhabitable places.
and Water Resources SUBMIT ANSWER NEXT Question 8 of 10 Multiple Choice: Please select the best answer and click “submit.” What is a benefit of using technology to transport water? A. Wetlands can dry out and sinkholes can form. B. Surface water and groundwater supplies can be depleted. C. Habitats can be displaced or entirely lost. D. Cities can be built in otherwise uninhabitable places.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
D. Cities can be built in otherwise uninhabitable places.
Explanation:
Technology used to transport water, such as pipelines, reservoirs, or aqueducts, has significant benefits, especially in terms of making previously uninhabitable areas suitable for living. By transporting water to arid or dry regions, cities and industries can be established in places where natural water sources would otherwise be unavailable. This has allowed for the development of areas like parts of the southwestern United States, the Middle East, and Australia, where water is scarce but is critical for supporting large populations and economic activities.
Here’s a breakdown of the other options and why they aren’t the best fit:
- A. Wetlands can dry out and sinkholes can form.
While this can be a consequence of water diversion or improper water management, it is a negative impact rather than a benefit. Wetlands play an essential role in water filtration, flood control, and biodiversity, so draining them can have harmful ecological consequences. - B. Surface water and groundwater supplies can be depleted.
This is a potential risk associated with transporting water, but it is not a benefit. Over-extraction of water resources can lead to environmental degradation, including lowered water tables and the drying up of rivers or lakes. - C. Habitats can be displaced or entirely lost.
This, again, is a negative impact. The construction of large dams or the redirection of water can displace local wildlife and even human communities, leading to the loss of important habitats.
In conclusion, while transporting water does have environmental and social risks, it enables the development of regions that would otherwise be unsuitable for large-scale habitation, providing critical infrastructure for modern civilization.
