Which of the following is a major consequence of urban sprawl?

Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land. One of the major consequences of this phenomenon is the loss of agricultural land. As cities and suburbs grow, they often encroach on farmland, resulting in the conversion of these areas into residential, commercial, or industrial developments. This loss not only reduces the amount of land available for food production but can also alter local ecosystems, decrease biodiversity, and increase reliance on food from distant sources.

In contrast, the other options reflect outcomes that are less commonly associated with urban sprawl. Increased community engagement and improved public transportation are often more characteristic of compact, well-planned urban environments rather than sprawling ones, which can lead to isolation and decreased accessibility. Similarly, urban sprawl is often linked with increased traffic congestion rather than a reduction, as dispersed populations lead to greater distances that individuals need to travel.