North Carolina Surface Water Math Practice Test

Shoreline development typically impacts surface water significantly by increasing erosion and habitat destruction. When natural shorelines are altered or developed for human use, vegetation that stabilizes soil and supports local ecosystems is often removed. This removal can lead to increased runoff and higher rates of erosion as the land is no longer protected by plant roots that would otherwise anchor the soil.

The loss of habitat comes from the destruction of areas where aquatic and terrestrial species thrive, such as wetlands or riparian zones. These areas play a crucial role in filtering pollutants, providing breeding grounds for fish and wildlife, and maintaining overall biodiversity. Consequently, as shoreline development progresses, these valuable ecosystems are compromised or lost, leading to declines in water quality and habitat availability.

In contrast, the other options suggest effects that are not typically associated with shoreline development. For instance, reducing water temperatures or enhancing water quality would imply that development has a positive effect, which is generally not the case in most instances of shoreline modification. Additionally, the idea that development has no impact at all contradicts a large body of research demonstrating the negative consequences associated with altering natural shorelines. Thus, increasing erosion and habitat destruction is a well-documented consequence of shoreline development.