- Step 1: Understand the question. The question asks for what is critical to mitigate climate change's impact on biodiversity, requiring a specific solution explicitly stated in the passage.
- Step 2: Locate relevant information. The passage states, "Conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration and protected areas, are critical to mitigate these impacts and preserve ecosystems." This directly identifies "conservation efforts" as the solution.
- Step 3: Evaluate the options.
- Option (1): "Economic development" is not mentioned in the passage as a solution to biodiversity loss, so it is incorrect.
- Option (2): "Conservation efforts" directly matches the passage's wording, supported by examples like habitat restoration, making it the correct choice.
- Option (3): "Industrial growth" is not referenced and could exacerbate biodiversity loss, so it is incorrect.
- Option (4): "Urban expansion" is not mentioned and is likely harmful to biodiversity, making it incorrect.
- Step 4: Verify specificity. The passage explicitly uses "conservation efforts" with examples, ensuring option (2) is a precise match. No other solutions are mentioned.
- Step 5: Cross-check for alternatives. The passage does not suggest economic development, industrial growth, or urban expansion as solutions, confirming that conservation efforts is the only correct answer.
- Step 6: Final conclusion. Option (2) Conservation efforts is the correct answer, as it directly reflects the passage's stated solution to mitigate biodiversity loss.
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