The Correct answer is Option 4. Explanation & Key Takeaways: The passage explains that after the Industrial Revolution, humans realized their ability to plunder nature due to several interconnected factors: • Deforestation became inevitable to meet the needs of a growing population. • Cities and villages expanded, leading to a decline in forest cover. • Large quantities of goods were required, especially during the First and Second World Wars. All these reasons collectively contributed to environmental degradation and the exploitation of natural resources. Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4: All of the above.