var & & & & 1.53 & 0.947 & 0.576 rave & 2169 & 0.960 & 1209 rave & 2265 & 1.007 & 1.258 rove & 2500 & 1.059 & 1.441 2000 & 2901 & 1.102 & 1.79 2010 & 2.440 & 1.132 & 1.808 Eecapacty can be delned as the amount of resources avaliable to ind viduals in a given country at a aurecific monert in time. Which of the following statements best explains the trends in the above dints? (A) Eocapacity increased because more forested land was cleared for farming. whereas the ecological defict decreased because of a decline in trade of enironmentaly derived products with other countries. (C) The ecological footprint decreased as bicapacity increased because indivisals tegan buying more locally grown and organic produce. (C) Eocasacity increased because of improved farming techniques on existing farmiand the ecological deficit increased because of a growing population and more demand for goods.

To determine which statement best explains the trends in biocapacity and ecological deficit, let's analyze each option:<br /><br />A. This statement suggests that biocapacity increased due to more forested land being cleared for farming, while the ecological deficit decreased because of a decline in trade of environmentally derived products. Clearing forests for farming could increase biocapacity temporarily, but it might not necessarily lead to a decrease in ecological deficit.<br /><br />B. This statement indicates that the ecological footprint decreased as biocapacity increased because individuals began buying more locally grown and organic produce. Buying locally and organically can reduce the ecological footprint, potentially increasing biocapacity if it leads to more sustainable practices.<br /><br />C. This statement claims that biocapacity increased due to improved farming techniques on existing farmland, while the ecological deficit increased because of a growing population and more demand for goods. Improved farming techniques can indeed increase biocapacity, but a growing population and higher demand for goods can increase the ecological deficit.<br /><br />D. This statement suggests that the ecological deficit has increased due to an increase in recycling programs and a reduction in the use of fossil fuels. However, increased recycling and reduced fossil fuel use would typically decrease the ecological deficit, not increase it.<br /><br />Based on the analysis, option C provides a plausible explanation for the trends: improved farming techniques can increase biocapacity, while a growing population and increased demand for goods can lead to a higher ecological deficit. Therefore, the best explanation is:<br /><br />C. Biocapacity increased because of improved farming techniques on existing farmland, and the ecological deficit increased because of a growing population and more demand for goods.