Which of the following is a consequence of urban sprawl?

Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land, leading to significant consequences. One of the most notable outcomes of this phenomenon is the loss of agricultural land. As cities and towns spread outward, they often encroach on farmland, converting these essential agricultural spaces into residential or commercial developments. This loss not only reduces the amount of land available for food production but can also lead to a decline in local farming economies and disrupt the ecosystem.

In contrast, the other options either do not align with the typical consequences of urban sprawl or suggest outcomes that are generally considered positive in urban planning contexts. For example, while urban sprawl can lead to increased public services in certain areas, it often places a strain on existing services rather than significantly increasing their availability. Concerns related to housing prices and community cohesion typically point toward challenges posed by sprawl, such as instability in housing markets and decreased social interaction due to increased distances between residents. Thus, the primary and evident consequence of urban sprawl emphasized in this context is the loss of agricultural land.