Use the Graphs to Answer the Question

Multiple Choice

Use the graphs to answer the question. Copyright © 2003 American Institute of Biological Sciences. (Foster, D.R., F. Swanson et al., The importance of land-use and its legacies to ecology and environmental management. BioScience 53:77-88 [2003].)
Archeological, fossil, and geological data provide information on the Mayan populations and their environment in Mexico, in the Caribbean state of Yucatán. Based on the figure, what can you conclude about the history of land use in the southern Yucatán?

A) Massive soil erosion caused the Mayan population to crash.
B) Reduction in forest cover caused the Mayan population to crash.
C) As Mayan population increased, deforestation increased, probably leading to increased soil erosion.
D) This Mayan population practiced sustainable development.