Which one of the following strongly threatens biodiversity ?

Options

A. Destruction of natural habitats and vegetation and shifting cultivation
B. Inaccessible habitats in the Himalayas
C. Fragile ecosystems such as mangroves and wetland
D. Creation of biosphere reserves

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks which option strongly threatens biodiversity. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option A**: Destruction of natural habitats and vegetation and shifting cultivation.
- **Option B**: Inaccessible habitats in the Himalayas.
- **Option C**: Fragile ecosystems such as mangroves and wetlands.
- **Option D**: Creation of biosphere reserves.

3. **Evaluating Option A**:
- Destruction of natural habitats is a major threat to biodiversity.
- Human activities such as infrastructure development, industrial growth, agriculture expansion, mining, and oil extraction lead to habitat destruction.
- This destruction makes it difficult for various organisms to survive, posing a significant threat to biodiversity.

4. **Evaluating Option B**:
- Inaccessible habitats in the Himalayas do not pose a strong threat to biodiversity.
- These habitats are naturally suited for the organisms living there and are not significantly affected by human activities due to their inaccessibility.

5. **Evaluating Option C**:
- While fragile ecosystems like mangroves and wetlands are sensitive, they have the ability to recover if not severely impacted.
- They are not the primary threat to biodiversity compared to habitat destruction.

6. **Evaluating Option D**:
- The creation of biosphere reserves is beneficial for biodiversity as it helps in conservation efforts.
- This option does not threaten biodiversity; rather, it supports it.

7. **Conclusion**: After evaluating all options, it is clear that **Option A (destruction of natural habitats and vegetation)** is the strongest threat to biodiversity.

**Final Answer**: The option that strongly threatens biodiversity is **Option A: Destruction of natural habitats and vegetation.**

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