What is a primary consequence of land degradation?

Land degradation refers to the deterioration of the land's quality and productivity, often caused by factors such as deforestation, soil erosion, overgrazing, and unsustainable agricultural practices. A primary consequence of this degradation is the loss of ecosystem services. Ecosystem services are the benefits that healthy ecosystems provide to humans, including clean air and water, pollination of crops, climate regulation, and soil fertility.

As land becomes degraded, its ability to provide these services diminishes significantly. For instance, soil erosion can lead to reduced fertility, which impacts agricultural productivity and food security. Additionally, the degradation of forests and wetlands can disrupt biodiversity and lead to increased carbon emissions, affecting climate regulation. This loss of ecosystem services ultimately affects human well-being and sustainability, making it a critical concern in environmental studies and sustainable development.

In contrast, the other options present scenarios that conflict with the realities of land degradation. For example, land degradation does not lead to an increase in biodiversity; in fact, it often results in a decline. Similarly, agricultural productivity generally suffers rather than improves under degraded land conditions, and urban areas do not become more habitable as a direct result of land degradation. This highlights the importance of addressing land degradation to preserve ecosystem services essential for both