Question

what human beings with explosive hardware can do, not crude processes like erosion or rot.... nevertheless, the time it would take nature to rid itself of what urbanity has wrought may be less than we might suspect. what point is the author most likely making with the example of september 11? a. humans are naturally self - destructive, and their extinction is inevitable. b. the destructiveness of humans is puny compared to that of nature. c. an attack on new york city is the same as an attack on the united states itself. d. new york city is susceptible to all kinds of destructive forces.

Explanation:

The text contrasts human - made destruction (with explosive hardware) and natural processes of destruction like erosion or rot. It then suggests that nature may take less time than expected to recover from human - caused urban damage. The example of September 11 likely serves to emphasize human - made destruction, and the overall context implies that this human - made destruction is being compared to natural forces. Option B aligns with the idea of comparing human destructiveness to that of nature.

Answer:

B. The destructiveness of humans is puny compared to that of nature.