Which of the following is NOT a benefit of healthy riparian zones?

Healthy riparian zones are essential for maintaining ecological balance and providing several benefits to the surrounding environment. One of the primary advantages is the improvement of water quality. Riparian vegetation helps filter pollutants and nutrients from runoff, thereby enhancing the overall health of water bodies.

Additionally, these zones play a crucial role in reducing soil erosion. The roots of plants in riparian areas stabilize the soil, preventing it from being washed away during storms or high water events. This stabilization not only protects the land but also maintains the integrity of waterways.

Moreover, healthy riparian zones provide habitat for a diverse range of wildlife. They offer food, shelter, and breeding grounds for various animal species, contributing to biodiversity and ecological resilience.

In contrast, increased urban development does not align with the benefits that healthy riparian zones offer. Urban development often leads to habitat destruction, increased pollution, and compromised water quality, all of which are detrimental to the health of riparian ecosystems. Therefore, it is accurate to identify increased urban development as not being a benefit of healthy riparian zones.