How would you negate this: The more familiar a form of popular entertainment becomes, the less likely its consumers are to exercise their imaginations.

I know this answer choice was not a consideration but I am wondering how you would use the negation test on an answer choice like this: If industrial pollution were reduced, the decline in certain amphibian populations would be reversed, and if industrial pollution increases, the decline in certain amphibian populations will be exacerbated.

Could someone explain what "takes for granted" means in A, because I understand why it's correct but was tripped up trying to understand the beginning of the sentence.