The following text discusses environmental history.
The Dust Bowl of the 1930s devastated the American Great Plains when severe drought combined with decades of intensive farming that had stripped native grasses from the soil. Massive dust storms buried farms, killed livestock, and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. The disaster prompted the federal government to establish the Soil Conservation Service and promote sustainable farming practices. The Dust Bowl stands as a stark reminder that agricultural practices must work with rather than against natural ecosystems.
What is the main lesson the text draws from the Dust Bowl?
Droughts are impossible to predict or prepare for
Agricultural practices should be aligned with natural ecosystem requirements
Farming should be restricted to areas that never experience drought
The government should not be involved in agriculture
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The text concludes that "agricultural practices must work with rather than against natural ecosystems."
- Evidence: Removing native grasses led to disaster; conclusion about working with nature.
- Reasoning: Going against natural systems caused catastrophe.
- Conclusion: Alignment with ecosystems is essential.
Choice A is incorrect because sustainable practices can prepare for drought. Choice C is incorrect because working with ecosystems, not avoiding regions, is the lesson. Choice D is incorrect because government response (Soil Conservation Service) was portrayed positively.