Question

which of the following statements is best supported by information provided in the passage? choose 1 answer: a understanding the source of an environmental problem helps create regulations that target specific human activities to reduce the problem’s impacts. b discussing and brainstorming solutions during research on an environmental problem ensures that solutions are ready once the problem is understood. c while an environmental problem is being studied, individuals can change their behavior to help address the problem.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option's logical connection to environmental problem - solving (though the passage isn't provided, we base on typical environmental science/logic):

Analyzing Option A:

• The idea that understanding the source of an environmental problem (e.g., if a pollution problem comes from a specific industry like coal - fired power plants) allows for regulations that target those human activities (like regulating emissions from coal plants) to reduce impacts is a fundamental and widely - accepted concept in environmental management. It follows a logical flow: identify the source (cause) → create targeted regulations (action) → reduce impacts (outcome).

Analyzing Option B:

• The word "ensures" is too absolute. Just discussing and brainstorming solutions during research does not guarantee that solutions will be ready once the problem is understood. There are many factors like feasibility, cost, and political will that can affect the readiness of solutions.

Analyzing Option C:

• The statement implies that individuals can change behavior while the problem is being studied. However, without knowing the problem well (its source, scale, etc.), it's not clear what behavior change would be effective. Also, the focus here is more on individual action during study, while a more systematic approach (like in Option A) of addressing the source through regulation is more strongly supported in typical environmental problem - solving frameworks.

Option A presents a logical and widely - recognized approach in environmental management: identifying the source of an environmental problem to create targeted regulations for impact reduction. Option B is too absolute, and Option C's focus on individual behavior during study is less strongly supported compared to A's systematic approach.

Answer:

A. Understanding the source of an environmental problem helps create regulations that target specific human activities to reduce the problem’s impacts.