What is an example of how humans adapt to or modify their environment?

What is an example of how humans adapt to or modify their environment?

• A. Building irrigation systems, deforestation, urban development, conservation efforts; benefits and costs vary.
• B. Doing nothing.
• C. Relying solely on natural resources.
• D. Denying climate change.

Answer: (A)

Humans interact with their surroundings by both adapting to conditions and actively changing the landscape to meet needs. Building irrigation systems demonstrates adaptation to dry conditions—providing water to crops when rainfall is insufficient. Deforestation and urban development show how people modify the environment by changing land use and ecosystems. Conservation efforts illustrate managing resources to protect and sustain the environment for the future. Together, these examples capture the ways people alter their surroundings, for better or worse, and why benefits and costs can vary depending on how the changes are made and managed. The other options don’t show active adaptation or modification of the environment.

Humans interact with their surroundings by both adapting to conditions and actively changing the landscape to meet needs. Building irrigation systems demonstrates adaptation to dry conditions—providing water to crops when rainfall is insufficient. Deforestation and urban development show how people modify the environment by changing land use and ecosystems. Conservation efforts illustrate managing resources to protect and sustain the environment for the future. Together, these examples capture the ways people alter their surroundings, for better or worse, and why benefits and costs can vary depending on how the changes are made and managed. The other options don’t show active adaptation or modification of the environment.