About This Lesson
Since the beginning of agriculture, humans have been altering the landscape to secure food, create settlements, and pursue commerce and industry. croplands, pastures, urban and suburban areas, industrial zones, and the area taken up by roads, reservoirs, and other major infrastructure all represent conversion of natural ecosystems. these transformations of the landscape are the defining mark of humans on earth's ecosystems, yielding most of the food, energy, water, and wealth we enjoy.