Overgrazing by cattle primarily contributes to desertification by
A)promoting erosion and loss of rooted plant cover.
B)contaminating streams with cattle wastes.
C)cattle outcompeting natural herbivores.
D)spreading the growth of non-native species.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Overgrazing by cattle can lead to loss of rooted plant cover, making the soil more susceptible to erosion. This can contribute to desertification, which is the process of land becoming more desert-like due to loss of vegetation and soil degradation. Contamination of streams with cattle waste can also be a secondary factor in desertification, but it is not the primary contributor. Cattle outcompeting natural herbivores and spreading the growth of non-native species may have negative effects on ecosystem biodiversity, but they are not directly linked to desertification as much as overgrazing is.

Overgrazing by Cattle Primarily Contributes to Desertification by