Which statement is true based on the data in the table?
| Land | Size of Land (million acres) |
|---|---|
| crep | 408 |
| forest | 671 |
| grassirange | 614 |
| parkswildifericthers | 313 |
| urban | 61 |
A. The United States uses more land to grow crops than to maintain forests.
B. The United States uses more land for parks and wildlife than for forests.
C. The United States uses more land for parks and forests than for urban areas.
D. The United States uses more land for urban areas than for grasslands and ranges.
Answer (2)
Compare land usage for crops (408 million acres) and forests (671 million acres): 408 < 671 (False).
Compare land usage for parks/wildlife (313 million acres) and forests (671 million acres): 313 < 671 (False).
Compare land usage for parks/wildlife (313 million acres) + forests (671 million acres) and urban areas (61 million acres): 61"> 313 + 671 = 984 > 61 (True).
Compare land usage for urban areas (61 million acres) and grasslands/ranges (614 million acres): 61 < 614 (False).
The true statement is: The United States uses more land for parks and forests than for urban areas. T h e U ni t e d St a t es u ses m ore l an d f or p a r k s an d f ores t s t han f or u r ban a re a s .
Explanation
Analyzing the Problem We are given a table showing land usage in the United States, measured in million acres. Our task is to determine which of the provided statements accurately reflects the data in the table. We will compare the values given in the table to verify each statement.
Verifying Each Statement Let's examine each statement:
"The United States uses more land to grow crops than to maintain forests." This statement implies that the land used for crops is greater than the land used for forests. According to the table, crops use 408 million acres and forests use 671 million acres. Since 408 < 671 , this statement is false.
"The United States uses more land for parks and wildlife than for forests." This statement implies that the land used for parks and wildlife is greater than the land used for forests. According to the table, parks and wildlife use 313 million acres and forests use 671 million acres. Since 313 < 671 , this statement is false.
"The United States uses more land for parks and forests than for urban areas." This statement implies that the sum of land used for parks and forests is greater than the land used for urban areas. Parks and wildlife use 313 million acres, forests use 671 million acres, and urban areas use 61 million acres. We need to check if 61"> 313 + 671 > 61 . The sum 313 + 671 = 984 . Since 61"> 984 > 61 , this statement is true.
"The United States uses more land for urban areas than for grasslands and ranges." This statement implies that the land used for urban areas is greater than the land used for grasslands and ranges. According to the table, urban areas use 61 million acres and grasslands/ranges use 614 million acres. Since 61 < 614 , this statement is false.
Conclusion Based on our analysis, only the third statement is true: "The United States uses more land for parks and forests than for urban areas."
Examples
Understanding land usage is crucial in urban planning and environmental conservation. For instance, knowing how much land is dedicated to agriculture versus urban development helps policymakers make informed decisions about resource allocation, zoning regulations, and conservation efforts. This type of analysis ensures sustainable development and responsible land management, balancing the needs of different sectors while preserving natural resources.
The only true statement based on the data is that the United States uses more land for parks and forests than for urban areas. Consequently, option C is correct. This emphasizes the importance of understanding land use in resource management.
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