Human Impact on Water Systems

How does urban development typically affect groundwater in a watershed?

• Increases groundwater recharge

• Decreases groundwater recharge

• Has no effect on groundwater

• Purifies groundwater

Answer explanation

Urban development typically involves impervious surfaces like roads and buildings, which reduce the area for water to infiltrate the ground. This leads to decreased groundwater recharge, making 'Decreases groundwater recharge' the correct choice.

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TEKS.SCI.7.11A

Which of the following human activities is most likely to lead to an increase in CO2

• Deforestation

• Burning fossil fuels

• Overfishing

• Urban sprawl

Answer explanation

Burning fossil fuels releases significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, making it the primary human activity contributing to increased carbon dioxide levels, unlike deforestation, overfishing, or urban sprawl.

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TEKS.SCI.7.11B

What is a potential harmful effect of agricultural runoff on surface water in a watershed?

• Increased biodiversity

• Eutrophication

• Decreased sedimentation

• Improved water clarity

Answer explanation

Eutrophication is a harmful effect of agricultural runoff, as it leads to nutrient overload in water bodies, causing excessive algae growth. This depletes oxygen and harms aquatic life, unlike increased biodiversity or improved water clarity.

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TEKS.SCI.7.11A

How does plastic pollution primarily affect ocean systems?

• Increases water temperature

• Provides habitat for marine life

• Harms marine organisms through ingestion and entanglement

• Enhances coral growth

Answer explanation

Plastic pollution primarily harms marine organisms through ingestion and entanglement, leading to injury and death. This negatively impacts ocean ecosystems, unlike the other options which do not accurately reflect the effects of plastic.

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TEKS.SCI.7.11B

Which human activity can lead to the contamination of groundwater in a watershed?

• Planting trees

• Constructing wetlands

• Improper disposal of industrial waste

• Building parks

Answer explanation

Improper disposal of industrial waste can introduce harmful chemicals into the soil, which can leach into groundwater, contaminating it. In contrast, planting trees, constructing wetlands, and building parks generally promote water quality.

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TEKS.SCI.7.11A

What is one way humans can positively influence ocean systems?

• Overfishing

• Establishing marine protected areas

• Dumping waste in the ocean

• Increasing carbon emissions

Answer explanation

Establishing marine protected areas helps conserve biodiversity and restore fish populations, allowing ecosystems to thrive. This positive action contrasts with overfishing, waste dumping, and increasing carbon emissions, which harm ocean systems.

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TEKS.SCI.7.11B

Which of the following is a beneficial influence of human activity on surface water in a watershed?

• Construction of dams

• Oil spills

• Water pollution

• Deforestation

Answer explanation

The construction of dams can create reservoirs, improve water supply, and help manage flood risks, making it a beneficial influence on surface water in a watershed. Other options like oil spills and pollution are harmful.

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How does overfishing impact ocean systems?

• Increases fish population

• Disrupts marine food chains

• Enhances coral reef growth

• Improves water quality

Answer explanation

Overfishing removes key species from the ocean, disrupting marine food chains. This imbalance can lead to the decline of other species and affect the overall health of ocean ecosystems.

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What is a common consequence of deforestation on watersheds?

• Increased groundwater levels

• Reduced soil erosion

• Increased sedimentation in rivers

• Improved water quality

Answer explanation

Deforestation removes trees that stabilize soil, leading to increased runoff and erosion. This results in more sediment being washed into rivers, causing increased sedimentation, which can harm aquatic ecosystems.

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Which human activity is most likely to cause coral bleaching in ocean systems?

• Coastal development

• Agricultural runoff

• Increased carbon emissions

• Fishing regulations

Answer explanation

Increased carbon emissions lead to higher ocean temperatures and acidification, which are primary causes of coral bleaching. Coastal development and agricultural runoff can also harm corals, but the most direct link is through carbon emissions.

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TEKS.SCI.7.11B