4x Part A Fifty years ago, the lands between Washington, D.C , and Ballimore, Maryland, were largely rural and agricultural Review the satellite image from 2000 By this time, the area had become filled with residential and commercial development. Which of these does NOT explain how has this impacted the overall environmental conditions? A Greenspace disappears and the plants that are planted by developers may not be natives. B Natural habitats for wildlife decline as do their populations. C Heat islands develop altering weather patterns. D The number of paved surfaces decreased.

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking us to identify the option that does NOT explain how the development of residential and commercial areas has impacted the overall environmental conditions. The options A, B, and C all describe negative impacts on the environment due to development.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />Option A states that greenspace disappears and the plants that are planted by developers may not be natives. This is a negative impact because the loss of greenspace and the introduction of non-native plants can disrupt the local ecosystem.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Option B states that natural habitats for wildlife decline as do their populations. This is also a negative impact because the destruction of natural habitats can lead to a decline in wildlife populations.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Option C states that heat islands develop altering weather patterns. This is another negative impact because the development of heat islands can alter local weather patterns, leading to increased temperatures and potential climate change.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />Option D states that the number of paved surfaces decreased. This is a positive impact because the decrease in paved surfaces can lead to a reduction in heat islands and an increase in natural habitats.