Which of the following is a consequence of urban sprawl?

Urban sprawl refers to the expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land, often resulting in the development of low-density suburban neighborhoods. One significant consequence of urban sprawl is the reduction in agricultural productivity.

This occurs because as cities expand, agricultural land is often converted into residential, commercial, or industrial spaces. The loss of farmland can lead to decreased food production as crops are displaced and agricultural practices may become less viable due to fragmentation of land. Additionally, the urban environment can increase competition for resources such as water and soil quality, further impacting agricultural output.

In contrast, urban sprawl typically leads to challenges in public transportation accessibility by making areas less dense and thereby reducing the feasibility of efficient transport systems. It can also result in the dispersal of the population, rather than concentration in urban centers, as people move to suburban areas for larger homes and less congestion. Moreover, urban sprawl typically encroaches on natural habitats, which can lead to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss rather than its improvement. Thus, the reduction in agricultural productivity is a direct and critical consequence of urban sprawl that highlights the broader implications of rapid urban expansion.