Question

which of the following best describes the environmental challenge of pollution? a total depletion of natural resources b a decrease in the number of different species within a specific area c excessive use of natural resources d an undesired change to air and water resources

Explanation:

• Option A: Pollution is not about total depletion of natural resources (depletion is about resource quantity reduction, not pollution's nature of contaminating resources like air/water).
• Option B: A decrease in species number is biodiversity loss, not a direct description of pollution.
• Option C: Excessive use of natural resources is overexploitation, not pollution (pollution is about contaminating, not overusing, resources).
• Option D: Pollution involves introducing harmful substances or causing undesired changes to air, water, soil etc. So an undesired change to air and water resources fits the definition of pollution.

Answer:

D. an undesired change to air and water resources