Final answer:
Removing the tops of hills can reduce the likelihood of landslides because it alters the slope angle. Water retention, soil stability, and vegetation growth are not direct factors influenced by removing the tops of hills and their impact on landslides.
Step-by-step explanation:
Removing the tops of hills can reduce the likelihood of landslides because it alters the slope angle. Steep slopes are more prone to erosion and landslides, so removing the tops of hills can create gentler slopes that are less likely to experience landslides. For example, if a hill has a very steep slope of 45 degrees, removing the top portion and creating a slope of 25 degrees can significantly reduce the risk of landslides.
Water retention, soil stability, and vegetation growth are not direct factors influenced by removing the tops of hills and their impact on landslides.