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 follows a reasoning pattern similar to the passage?
Implementing strict regulations on the use of plastic packaging reduces plastic waste and lessens environmental harm.
Introducing measures to preserve coral reefs supports marine biodiversity and sustains the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Requiring the use of energy-efficient appliances in households reduces energy consumption and lowers utility costs.
Allowing controlled grazing on protected grasslands supports local agriculture and preserves open spaces.
This answer choice follows a similar reasoning pattern to the passage by showing that requiring a specific action (in this case, using energy-efficient appliances) leads to positive outcomes (reduced energy consumption and lower costs), akin to how proactive measures in the passage aim to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanisation.