Question

sustainability refers to ________.

the ability for humans to survive

the persistence of harmful chemicals in water

the persistence of harmful chemicals in soil

using earths natural resources in a way that maintains their suitability

Explanation:

Sustainability is about using natural resources in a way that they remain suitable for future use. The first option is too narrow (survival isn't the core of sustainability). The second and third options refer to chemical persistence (related to pollution, not sustainability's definition). The last option matches the definition of sustainability: managing resources to maintain their usability.

Answer:

D. using Earth's natural resources in a way that maintains their suitability (assuming the options are labeled A - D with D being the last option)