Conservation ethics and philosophy MCQs

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: September 12, 2024

1. What does “conservation ethics” primarily focus on?
a) Maximizing economic benefits from natural resources
b) The moral principles and values guiding the protection of nature
c) Expanding urban areas for human development
d) Increasing agricultural productivity
Answer: b) The moral principles and values guiding the protection of nature

2. Which ethical principle asserts that all living beings have intrinsic value and deserve moral consideration?
a) Utilitarianism
b) Deep ecology
c) Biocentrism
d) Anthropocentrism
Answer: c) Biocentrism

3. What is “anthropocentrism”?
a) The belief that humans have no special role in nature
b) The view that humans are the most important entity and that nature should be valued primarily for its benefit to humanity
c) The belief that all species have equal value
d) The idea that ecosystems function best when left untouched by humans
Answer: b) The view that humans are the most important entity and that nature should be valued primarily for its benefit to humanity

4. Which philosophy argues for the inherent value of all living organisms regardless of their utility to humans?
a) Utilitarianism
b) Ecocentrism
c) Hedonism
d) Humanism
Answer: b) Ecocentrism

5. What does “deep ecology” emphasize in conservation philosophy?
a) Human economic development as a priority
b) The need to maintain ecosystem services for human benefit
c) The intrinsic worth of all living beings and the need to radically change human practices to align with ecological balance
d) The importance of preserving only economically valuable species
Answer: c) The intrinsic worth of all living beings and the need to radically change human practices to align with ecological balance

6. Which principle holds that actions should be guided by the greatest good for the greatest number?
a) Biocentrism
b) Utilitarianism
c) Deep ecology
d) Ecocentrism
Answer: b) Utilitarianism

7. What is “conservation biocentrism”?
a) A focus on human-centered values and interests in conservation
b) A belief in the intrinsic value of all life forms, regardless of their usefulness to humans
c) The practice of prioritizing economic gains over ecological health
d) A focus on maximizing the aesthetic value of natural landscapes
Answer: b) A belief in the intrinsic value of all life forms, regardless of their usefulness to humans

8. What role does “environmental justice” play in conservation ethics?
a) It advocates for equal access to natural resources for all people
b) It focuses on the economic benefits of conservation actions
c) It aims to address the unequal distribution of environmental benefits and harms among different social groups
d) It prioritizes the preservation of ecosystems over human needs
Answer: c) It aims to address the unequal distribution of environmental benefits and harms among different social groups

9. Which concept argues that nature should be preserved not only for its utility to humans but also for its own sake?
a) Technocentrism
b) Conservationism
c) Environmentalism
d) Biocentrism
Answer: d) Biocentrism

10. What is the main focus of “ethical conservation”?
a) Ensuring that conservation efforts are economically profitable
b) Applying moral principles to guide the protection and sustainable management of natural resources
c) Prioritizing human needs over ecological needs
d) Maximizing human access to natural areas
Answer: b) Applying moral principles to guide the protection and sustainable management of natural resources

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