Question

Fifty years ago the lands between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore,

Maryland, were largely rural and agricultural. Review the satellite
image from 2000. By this time, the area had become filled with
residential and commercial development. How has this impacted the
overall environmental conditions? All BUT ONE could apply.

Answer 1

Increased air pollution

Loss of wildlife habitats

Decreased water quality

Increased green spaces and parks

Improved soil fertility.

Answer 2

The rapid residential and commercial development between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland, has led to the loss of natural habitats, water and air pollution, and the degradation of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rapid residential and commercial development between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland, has had a significant impact on the overall environmental conditions in the area. One major environmental consequence is the loss of natural habitats and the fragmentation of ecosystems due to urbanization. As more land is converted for residential and commercial use, it results in the destruction of forests, wetlands, and farmlands that were once present.

Additionally, the increased population and urban activities contribute to water and air pollution. Stormwater runoff from developed areas carries pollutants like fertilizers, pesticides, and oil into local water bodies, including the Chesapeake Bay, further exacerbating the existing environmental issues in the region.