In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
The environment of the earth is a great (1)_______________ to mankind. It is a pity that this environment is in grave danger of being (2)_______________ , and that this danger is being posed by man himself. Humans have seldom given thought to the fact that the air they breathe, the water they drink, or the food they eat could be (3)_______________ . They have always assumed the bounties of nature to be inexhaustible. There is little (4)_______________ on their part that what they consider progress is seriously disturbing the ecological balance and (5)_______________ to the breakdown of the life supporting systems on the earth.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.