Option ( B) →The agricultural expansion is often explained as a direct consequence of the global increase in food and energy requirements due to the human overpopulation (which in turn has been attributed to agricultural expansion itself), with an estimated expectation of 10 to 11 billion humans on Earth by end of this century.
Agricultural expansion: In India, in years between 1951 and 1980, 26,200 sq. km of forest land was converted into agricultural land. Grazing of animals: Grazing of animals in forests destroys the plants leading to depletion of forests.

Depletion of Flora and Fauna

Flora and fauna refer to the plant and animal life in a particular region or ecosystem. The depletion of flora and fauna is a significant concern as it disrupts the balance of nature and can have far-reaching consequences for both the environment and human well-being. While all the given options can contribute to the depletion of flora and fauna, option 'A' is not true. Let's explore the reasons behind this.

1. Land required for housing:
- The rapid growth of human population has led to an increased demand for housing and infrastructure development.
- As a result, natural habitats are often destroyed or fragmented to make way for urbanization, leading to a loss of biodiversity.
- Deforestation and habitat destruction can have a direct impact on flora and fauna by reducing their available habitat and food sources, increasing their vulnerability to extinction.

2. Agricultural expansion:
- The expansion of agriculture, particularly through the conversion of forests and grasslands into farmland, can lead to habitat destruction.
- Large-scale monoculture farming practices, such as the cultivation of cash crops, often result in the loss of diverse plant and animal species.
- The use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture can also have detrimental effects on flora and fauna by contaminating soil, water, and air.

3. Mining activities:
- Mining involves the extraction of valuable minerals and resources from the earth's crust.
- Mining activities often result in the destruction of forests and the disruption of ecosystems, leading to the loss of habitat for many plant and animal species.
- Contamination of soil and water due to mining activities can also have long-term adverse effects on flora and fauna.

4. Shifting agriculture:
- Shifting agriculture, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, is a traditional farming practice in which land is cleared by cutting down and burning vegetation.
- While this practice can be sustainable when done in small-scale and with proper rotation of fields, it can become detrimental when practiced unsustainably.
- Unsustainable shifting agriculture can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity.

Conclusion:
While all the given options can contribute to the depletion of flora and fauna, option 'A' (land required for housing) is not true. The other options, such as agricultural expansion, mining activities, and shifting agriculture, have been well-documented as significant factors contributing to the depletion of flora and fauna. It is essential to address these issues through sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and the protection of natural habitats to ensure the preservation of biodiversity for future generations.