select the correct answer.\nour mountain regions are unique and beautiful places. we must preserve them for…

select the correct answer.\nour mountain regions are unique and beautiful places. we must preserve them for future generations. one of the most serious threats to our mountains is ridgetop development. large housing developments built on steep slopes and along mountain ridges are unsightly. also, they adversely affect the scenic views that draw tourists to our region each year. who wants to drive to the mountains to see not the lovely tree - covered outline of the gently sloping mountain ridges against the sky, but rows of houses jutting from the ridges and slopes with little or no tree cover between them? with tourism as the biggest industry in our area, maintaining our scenic ridgelines is crucial to continued economic success here.\nridgetop development not only detracts from scenic mountain views and threatens our areas top industry, it also harms the environment. stripping large areas to create multiple building sites removes the trees and other plants. these resources provide natural erosion barriers on steep slopes. large housing developments on ridges often increase erosion and runoff into streams and rivers.\nwhat is the purpose of this essay?\na. to describe the beautification of mountain ridges and beaches\nb. to chronicle the growth of the economy due to ridgetop tourism\nc. to clarify the role of the city council in protecting the environment\nd. to expose the environmental threats posed by ridgetop development
Answer
Brief Explanations:
The essay focuses on how ridgetop development is an environmental threat, harming scenic views, the tourism - based economy, and the environment by increasing erosion. It does not discuss beautification of beaches, growth of economy due to ridgetop tourism, or the role of city council.
Answer:
D. to expose the environmental threats posed by ridgetop development