Final answer:
Rice is the crop most vulnerable to sea level rise because it is commonly grown in low-lying river deltas that are close to sea level, such as the deltas of Bangladesh, and could suffer from heightened flooding and land loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
The staple crop that is particularly vulnerable to the effects of sea level rise due to its common cultivation in river deltas close to sea level is b. Rice. Rice paddies are often found in low-lying areas that can be susceptible to flooding from rivers and sea level increases. In the fertile deltas of the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers in Bangladesh, for instance, rice is a significant food crop, and the area is already experiencing damage from flooding which could be exacerbated by higher sea levels.
Given the geographical conditions required for rice cultivation and the threats posed by climate change, the impact of sea level rise on rice production can lead to severe challenges including loss of cultivable land, heightened vulnerability to pests and diseases, and reduced yields, threatening food security.