Why Was Hydraulic Mining So Damaging to the Environment

question 25

Multiple Choice

Why was hydraulic mining so damaging to the environment?

• A) It used up what little water resources existed in the West.
• B) It entailed the removal of entire mountain ranges, which killed wildlife and changed the climate.
• C) It caused tons of dirt and debris to clog rivers, kill fish, and pollute downstream farmland.
• D) It caused the migration of wildlife like raccoons, bears, and deer into nearby big cities.
• E) This is a trick question. Hydraulic mining caused no significant environmental damage.

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Definitions:

Instrumental Learning

A learning process in which behavior is modified by the reinforcing or inhibitory effects of the resulting consequences.

Response

A reaction to a specific stimulus or situation, which can be verbal, physical, or emotional in nature.

Reward

A reward refers to a positive reinforcement given in response to a desired behavior, intended to encourage that behavior's recurrence.

Concept Formation

The mental process involved in grouping or categorizing objects, events, or ideas based on common features or characteristics.