Question

Which of the following statements accurately describe the impact of mining discoveries on desert ecosystems?

1. The discovery of gold in Australia led to the settlement of Karlgoorlie and Coolgardie in the late nineteenth century.
2. Diamond and copper mining in the Kalahari desert has benefited its San inhabitants.
3. The presence of valuable minerals in deserts has generally led to minimal ecological changes.

• A. All
• B. iii only
• C. ii only
• D. i only

Answer 1

Answer:

D. i only

• The discovery of gold brought settlers to Karlgoorlie and Coolgardie, located on the edge of the Australian desert, in the late nineteenth century.

• The presence of diamonds and copper has led to a rush of miners into the Kalahari desert (to the detriment of its San inhabitants).

• The discovery of silver in Mexico, uranium in Utah in the USA, has changed the ecology and landscape of the desert.