Question

The main cause of environmental degradation in the developing countries of Asia and Africa is ____________.
A. Overpopulation
B. Mining activity
C. Monoculture
D. Enrichment plantation

Answer 1

Hint:Environmental degradation is the process by which the natural environment is somehow compromised, affecting biodiversity and the general well-being of the environment. This process may be completely natural in nature, or it may be accelerated or triggered by human activity. It is believed that if the environment is irreparably threatened, it could mean a potential danger for the human race.

Complete Answer:
Option A: Overpopulation occurs when a species' population becomes so overwhelmingly abundant that it overpowers the resource availability and causes shortage of resources for the use of the species. It can be caused due to increase in fertility rate, frequent immigration, decline in mortality rate, or the general depletion of resources.

Option B: Mining activity is a major cause of environmental degradation. Both legal and illegal mining activities have resulted in soil degradation, groundwater contamination, surface water contamination and biodiversity loss. It has also led to habitat destruction and soil erosion.
Option C: Monoculture is the planting of the same crops in the same field cycle after cycle. Recycling the same soil instead of giving it time to replenish after a crop cycle can lead to plant pathogens and diseases. They adapt to the soil. In addition, using pesticides and herbicides in the same field has adverse effects on the soil.
Option D: Enrichment planting is one of the most important methods for reforestation. It is widely used to increase the size of the species sought in the second forest. The term enrichment plantation means the planting for beauty. The word enrichment also means fertilizing or enriching, hence reducing deforestation.
Therefore the right answer is Option B: Mining activity.

Note: It must be noted that while Options A to C are all harmful for the environment, Mining activities have had a significant impact on the environmental degradation of countries like Asia and Africa. Therefore the options should not be confused with each other.