In North Africa, overgrazing has contributed to which environmental challenge?
A. Deforestation
B. Desertification
C. Lack of clean water
D. Climate change
B. Desertification
B. Desertification
To determine the correct answer, we can analyze the options provided and understand the concept of overgrazing and its impact on the environment in North Africa.
Option A: Deforestation refers to the cutting down or removal of trees and forests. While deforestation can be a concern in other regions, it is not directly linked to overgrazing.
Option B: Desertification is the process of fertile land turning into a desert due to various factors, including overgrazing. Grazing animals, such as livestock, consume vegetation more rapidly than it can regenerate, leading to soil erosion, loss of topsoil, and ultimately the expansion of arid desert areas.
Option C: Lack of clean water can be caused by various factors, but overgrazing alone is unlikely to be the main contributor. It may indirectly affect water availability by disrupting the natural vegetation cover and altering hydrological cycles, but this is not the primary environmental challenge caused by overgrazing.
Option D: Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global or regional weather patterns. Overgrazing can have localized impacts on the environment but is not directly connected to large-scale climate change.
Considering the information provided, the correct answer is B. Desertification. Overgrazing contributes to the gradual transformation of once fertile lands into arid and desert-like conditions.