Final answer:
Human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and pollution have led to biodiversity loss due to habitat destruction, increased pollution, and climate change. The correct answer to the impacts of these activities is option b) Biodiversity loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
Humans have significantly impacted the Earth through various activities including deforestation, urbanization, desertification, erosion, air pollution, and altering water systems. These human activities lead to several major environmental consequences:
- Habitat destruction: Natural habitats are destroyed to make way for agriculture, urban development, and other human endeavors.
- Soil erosion: The removal of trees and vegetation for farming or urban development speeds up erosion processes, stripping the soil of nutrients.
- Climate change: Emissions from burning fossil fuels and changes in land use contribute to global warming and extreme weather patterns.
- Biodiversity loss: The reduction or elimination of species due to habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.
The correct option in context of the impacts mentioned is b) Biodiversity loss as human population increases because of habitat loss, increased pollution, and climate change. This has been observed to decrease biodiversity globally, particularly in areas where intensive agriculture and industrial activities prevail.