What are some global threats to biodiversity?

The correct answer identifies habitat loss and pollution as significant global threats to biodiversity. Habitat loss occurs when natural environments are altered or destroyed, often due to human activities such as urban development, agriculture, deforestation, and mining. This destruction of habitats leads to the displacement or extinction of many species, thereby reducing biodiversity.

Pollution also poses a severe risk to biodiversity. Contaminants can harm wildlife, disrupt ecosystems, and degrade habitats. For instance, chemical runoff from agricultural fields can poison aquatic life, while air pollution can affect entire terrestrial ecosystems. Together, habitat loss and pollution significantly contribute to the decline of various species and overall biodiversity worldwide.

In contrast, the other choices do not directly measure risks to biodiversity. Increased habitat and species diversity would generally imply a flourishing ecosystem, which does not threaten biodiversity. Technological advancement can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment, but it is not inherently a threat to biodiversity unless it leads to practices that harm ecosystems. Economic growth, while it can drive habitat destruction and pollution, itself is a broader concept that may also lead to sustainable practices and conservation efforts.