The Impacts Of Climate Change

Global warming, fragmentation of habitat, and invasion of alien species are all threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area. Global warming increases the overall temperature of the atmosphere, which can lead to the extinction of certain species that cannot adapt to the change in temperature. Fragmentation of habitat refers to the division of large habitats into smaller ones. This can lead to a decrease in biodiversity as smaller, isolated habitats may not be able to support as many different species as a larger, connected habitat. Invasion of alien species can also threaten biodiversity. When a new species is introduced to a habitat, it can outcompete native species for resources, leading to a decrease in biodiversity. Promotion of vegetarianism, on the other hand, is not a threat to biodiversity. In fact, it can be argued that it helps biodiversity by reducing the demand for meat, which can lead to less habitat destruction for livestock farming.

The term "sixth mass extinction" is used in the context of discussions about the current rapid decline in biodiversity and the potential for it to be as significant as the five major extinction events in Earth's history. **Mass extinction events:** Throughout Earth's history, there have been five major extinction events where a large percentage of species (estimated at 75% or more) disappeared in a geologically short period. Examples include the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event that wiped out non-avian dinosaurs. **Sixth mass extinction:** Scientists are concerned that human activities like habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of resources are causing a mass extinction event that could be as severe as the previous ones. Thus, the correct answer is 'D'.

Lake Faguibine in Mali is a prime example of increasing aridity . Here's how it changed over the years, as seen through false-color Landsat satellite images - Initially, it was one of the largest lakes in West Africa, fed by the Niger River during floods. - In 1974, it spanned approximately 590 square kilometers (230 square miles). - A decline in precipitation from the late 1980s led to its gradual drying. - By the late 1990s, traditional livelihoods like fishing , agriculture , and livestock herding became impractical. - Despite the resumption of normal rainfall after 2000, the lake has remained nearly dry. Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and remains filled with water. Lake Oguta is located in Nigeria and is still a freshwater lake. Lake Volta is one of the largest artificial lake by surface area in the world and remains filled with water from the Volta River. 

**Wet-bulb temperature** combines heat and humidity. When it exceeds **35°C**, the human body can no longer **cool itself through sweating**, posing a serious threat to survival. ❌ **Statement I: Incorrect** * Though flooding, cyclones, and droughts are valid climate threats, they are not directly related to the World Bank's warning about wet-bulb temperatures. ✅ **Statement II: Correct** * When wet-bulb temperatures cross 35°C, the body cannot release heat, making it fatal for humans and animals.