Conservation vs. Preservation Exam

Which of the following best defines conservation in the context of natural resources?

• The complete protection of natural areas from all human activity

• The sustainable use and management of natural resources to prevent depletion

• The removal of all invasive species from an ecosystem

• The construction of dams to control water flow

Which organization is primarily known for its efforts in preserving natural habitats and wildlife globally?

• World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

• NASA

• World Health Organization (WHO)

• International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Which of the following is an example of a preservation technique?

• Selective logging in forests

• Establishing a national park where no resource extraction is allowed

• Rotational grazing of livestock

• Replanting harvested trees

Which method is most closely associated with conservation rather than preservation?

• Banning all human entry into a forest

• Implementing sustainable fishing quotas

• Prohibiting all forms of hunting

• Creating wilderness areas with no human access

Explain the main difference between conservation and preservation in the management of natural resources.

• Conservation focuses on sustainable use, while preservation aims for complete protection from use.

• Conservation bans all human activity, while preservation allows sustainable use.

• Conservation is only about wildlife, while preservation is about plants.

• Conservation and preservation mean the same thing.

A local government is deciding whether to allow limited hiking in a protected forest area. Which approach does this decision best represent?

• Conservation, because it allows controlled human activity

• Preservation, because it bans all human activity

• Neither, because it is not related to natural resources

• Preservation, because it allows resource extraction

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of preservation?

• A forest is managed for timber production using sustainable practices.

• A wetland is designated as a wildlife refuge with no public access or resource extraction.

• A river is used for hydroelectric power generation.

• A grassland is used for rotational cattle grazing.

A city wants to protect its local water supply. Which conservation method would be most effective?

• Allowing unlimited water use by residents

• Implementing water-saving technologies and public education programs

• Draining wetlands for development

• Banning all use of water in the city

Analyze the effectiveness of conservation versus preservation in maintaining biodiversity in a forest ecosystem. Which approach is likely to be more effective in the long term, and why?

• Conservation, because it allows for sustainable use and adaptation to changing conditions

• Preservation, because it allows for resource extraction

• Preservation, because it completely protects the ecosystem from human interference

• Conservation, because it bans all human activity

A mining company proposes to extract minerals from a region that is home to several endangered species. As an environmental scientist, how would you use scientific data to argue for either conservation or preservation of the area?

• Recommend conservation by allowing mining with no restrictions

• Recommend preservation by presenting data on species at risk and the impact of habitat loss, arguing for complete protection of the area

• Recommend conservation by suggesting the relocation of species

• Recommend preservation by allowing limited mining