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Desertification

Definition

Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.

Analogy

Imagine you're baking cookies but keep forgetting to add eggs. The more batches you make without eggs, the drier and crumblier your cookies become until they're no longer enjoyable - they've essentially turned into cookie-desert! That's what happens with desertification; it's like forgetting an essential ingredient (like water or trees) until your once fertile land turns into desert.

Related terms

Deforestation: Deforestation is the removal or clearing of forests by humans, often resulting in damage to the quality of land.

Soil Erosion: Soil erosion is a process that removes topsoil from one location and transports it elsewhere through wind or water action.

Drought Resistance: Drought resistance refers to an organism’s ability (in this case plants/crops) to withstand periods of dry conditions without dying.