Final answer:
The degradation of Cootes Paradise is primarily due to agricultural runoff and pollution, which has led to habitat loss, degradation, and overexploitation of the area.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cootes Paradise degraded due to B) Agricultural runoff and pollution. This area has experienced environmental degradation because of multiple threats, but notably due to habitat loss, degradation, and overexploitation. Agricultural activities have contributed to this degradation through runoff that carries pollutants into the waterways, leading to eutrophication and habitat destruction for local flora and fauna. Moreover, habitat destruction can also be caused by factors like deforestation for farming and livestock farming, which lead to soil erosion and a decrease in rainfall. The conversion of natural habitats such as prairies into farmlands is an example of habitat loss. Additionally, habitat destruction and environmental degradation often occur due to the overharvesting of natural resources, and this can include the exploitation of areas for mining, oil, and gas extraction, resulting in the contamination of water sources and loss of ecosystems.