Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area? 1. Global warming 2. Fragmentation of habitat 3. Invasion of alien species 4. Promotion of vegetarianism Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

Biodiversity faces several critical threats primarily driven by human activities. Global warming is a significant driver, shifting ecosystems and threatening the survival of species like polar bears as habitats change [3]. Habitat fragmentation, often a result of development and land-use change for food production, reduces the capacity of species to adapt to environmental shifts and is a leading cause of decline [3]. Invasive alien species, which occur outside their natural range, act as competitors or predators to native species, contributing to approximately 60% of all extinctions [4]. Conversely, the promotion of vegetarianism is generally considered a conservation strategy rather than a threat. Large-scale food production, particularly for livestock, is a primary driver of land-use change and biodiversity loss [3]. Therefore, shifting toward plant-based diets can reduce the pressure on natural habitats, making it a potential solution rather than a threat.

Sources

1. [2] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > causes of Biodiversity loss > p. 28
2. [3] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 13: Plant Diversity of India > 13.4. INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES > p. 199
3. [4] https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/five-drivers-nature-crisis