Common+Human+Impacts Temperate+Deciduous+Forest

** [|_] ** I1 ====Because of their natural richness and moderation in conditions, temperate deciduous forests have been subject to human activity and destruction for centuries. Detrimental effects range anywhere from deforestation for agriculture to increased pathogens from high temperatures. The following are common human impacts on forests with additional details into their causes. ====

**Agriculture**
==== Forest composition, structure, and biological diversity of this biome have been inimically transformed as a result of advanced systems of agriculture. In order to clear space and utilize the mineral-rich soil underneath the vegetation, areas that were almost entirely forested have become lands used solely for agriculture and grazing. Less than 1% of all temperate deciduous forests in Europe and North America are free of logging, grazing, deforestation or other intensive use. This has severely diminished wildlife populations and habitats. The effect of this is compounded by the fact that the vegetation in the region does not grow quickly enough to account for human use (I2). Thus, forests are being depleted rapidly, and will continue to do so unless these agricultural practices change.====

I3
I4 The climate, resources, and biological composition of forests all align to create the ideal environment for agricultural exploitation. The climate is warm and humid enough to maintain adequate nutrition, water level, and other abiotic factors, but not too warm so as to render the soil and vegetation incapable of growing. It is also typically situated near ideal human living conditions (link to world map), making it easy to access. Lastly, its mild seasonal changes ensure that there are no extreme weather conditions that afflict forests, whether warm or cold. This contrasts with tropical climates, for example, where excessive heat leaves conditions substandard. Thus, it is one of the most common regions humans choose to exploit for agriculture. I

**Industrialization **
====Industrialization is the process through which an agriculture-based economy becomes a manufacturer-based economy. While this may be a good thing in creating an economically developed country, it often comes at a heavy cost to the land surrounding it. Often, industrialization can cause habitat degradation and deteriorate the strength of forest structures. Because deciduous forests exist in some of the most heavily populated and industrialized regions on Earth, they have increased vulnerability to biological invasions and elevated levels of air pollution. I3 With their sturdy trees, they have provided endless amounts of wood for fuel and building materials in industrial processing. I3 On top of this direct access, they are also indirectly impacted by industrialization through atmospheric pollution, the elimination of competing species by human interference, and fire suppression. Climate change also serves to negatively affect deciduous forests, as it poisons the water supply from the ground up, and starts killing trees quickly, as well as poisoning bodies of water. I2====

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I5
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