How does the reliance on a few crops in agriculture impact health?

The reliance on a few crops in agriculture can lead to nutritional deficiencies primarily because a limited variety of crops often means that the diet lacks diversity. When communities rely heavily on staple crops, such as rice or corn, they may miss out on essential nutrients that are found in a wider range of fruits, vegetables, and proteins. This lack of variety can result in insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals, which are crucial for maintaining overall health. Over time, this can contribute to health problems like anemia or other deficiencies, as the body does not receive the full spectrum of nutrients it requires for optimal functioning.

In contrast, options that suggest improvement in overall health or increases in life expectancy do not consider the negative consequences of such restricted dietary patterns. A varied diet is essential for providing all necessary nutrients, so the absence of this diversity is closely tied to the potential deterioration of health. The option indicating decreased diseases also overlooks the direct correlation between nutritional deficiencies and increased susceptibility to health issues, highlighting why reliance on a narrow range of crops is detrimental to health.