Correct Option
The correct option is 2 only.
Explanation
The question addresses the specific threats posed by industrial pollution to biodiversity, particularly focusing on the impact of certain pollutants on vulnerable species as described in the context of wildlife conservation.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Argon is an inert (noble) gas. It is chemically unreactive and is not considered a pollutant that destroys living species. It is naturally present in the atmosphere and does not pose a toxicity threat to vegetation or wildlife.
- Statement 2 is Correct: It is explicitly mentioned that pollutants like toxic heavy metals destroy weak and sensitive species. These metals accumulate in the ecosystem and have severe physiological effects on fauna.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: While Nitrogen oxides are significant environmental pollutants contributing to acid rain and smog, they are not explicitly mentioned in the specific text alongside the destruction of weak and sensitive species.
Key Takeaway
Toxic heavy metals are specifically identified as the pollutants responsible for destroying weak and sensitive species in the context of threats to wildlife and natural vegetation.