Passage:
Title: "The Impact of Urbanization on Biodiversity"
Urbanisation, the rapid expansion of cities and urban areas, has become a dominant global trend. While it brings economic opportunities and improved living standards for many, it also poses significant challenges to biodiversity and the natural environment.
One of the primary impacts of urbanisation on biodiversity is habitat loss. As cities expand, natural habitats such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands are often cleared for construction and infrastructure development. This leads to the displacement or loss of numerous plant and animal species that rely on these habitats for survival.
Furthermore, urban areas introduce a range of pollutants into the environment. Industrial activities, transportation emissions, and household waste contribute to air and water pollution, which can have detrimental effects on local ecosystems. Aquatic life in urban rivers and lakes, for instance, may be severely affected by the presence of contaminants.
The fragmentation of habitats is another consequence of urbanisation. Green spaces and natural areas within cities may become isolated from one another, inhibiting the movement of species and reducing genetic diversity. This can weaken the resilience of local ecosystems to environmental changes and increase the vulnerability of species to extinction.
Despite these challenges, there are opportunities to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanisation on biodiversity. Implementing green infrastructure, such as parks, gardens, and green roofs, can provide essential habitats for urban wildlife. Additionally, adopting sustainable urban planning practices, such as compact city designs and eco-friendly transportation systems, can help reduce the ecological footprint of cities.
In conclusion, while urbanisation offers numerous benefits, it also poses significant threats to biodiversity. Recognizing these challenges and implementing proactive measures to protect and restore natural habitats within urban areas is essential for maintaining the rich diversity of life on our planet.
Which of the following scenarios demonstrates reasoning analogous to the passage?
Implementing wildlife corridors and protected zones promotes the migration of endangered species and safeguards biodiversity.
Allowing controlled burns in forested areas reduces the risk of uncontrolled wildfires and maintains healthy ecosystems.
Enforcing regulations on the use of pesticides in agriculture protects pollinators and preserves biodiversity.
Relaxing restrictions on hunting in certain areas generates revenue for conservation efforts and wildlife management.
This answer exhibits parallel reasoning by showing that allowing controlled burns (a proactive measure) leads to reduced wildfire risks and maintains healthy ecosystems, similar to how the passage advocates for proactive measures to protect and restore natural habitats within urban areas.