The proponents of sustainable development argue for a switch to a predominantly plant-based diet, in order to reduce the human footprint of food production. The statements given below present some of the arguments put forward by them.

A. Animal-based diets involve greater thermodynamic energy loss.

B. The production of animal-based foods involves high carbon burn-off.

C. Animal tissues have high C : N ratios.

D. Animal tissues have high water content.

Select the option that constitutes the basis of their argument.