*need ! ! 1. humans rely on the lithosphere for natural resources. the lithosphere is the thin, solid layer of the earth, which comprises the crust and upper mantle. humans compete with other humans and with other living things for the limited resources of the lithosphere. as humans we must continually commit to being good stewards of the lithosphere, so that the environment will provide natural resources and continue to provide a healthy place for human life. rich topsoil takes a long time to form. it is important to protect earth’s soil because poor soil management can result in a) soil erosion (my answer) b) desertification c) nutrient depletion d) desertification, nutrient depletion, and soil erosion 2. is a human activity that increases erosion. a) fencing (my answer is this one) b) seeding c) sliding d) urbanization 3. environmental agencies have concerns over mineral mining regulations due to a) economic concerns. b) political concerns. c) endangered species. (my answer) d) groundwater pollution. 4 . pollution can lead to harmful algal blooms in waters off the coasts of southeastern u. s. states. which problems are associated with harmful algal blooms? a) increases in the severity and frequency of hurricanes (my answer) b) poisoning of seafood and collapse of commercial fisheries c) contamination of beaches and sea vessels with pollutants d) decreases in the levels of photosynthesis occurring in ocean waters