The reasons for conserving biodiversity are grouped into which three…

The correct answer is Option (3) → Narrowly utilitarian, broadly utilitarian and ethical

The book groups the reasons for conserving biodiversity into three categories. The narrowly utilitarian argument is about direct economic benefits, such as food, fibre and medicines. The broadly utilitarian argument is about ecosystem services, such as oxygen, pollination and aesthetic pleasure. The ethical argument says every species has an intrinsic value and we have a moral duty to care for it.

Option (1) Narrowly utilitarian, broadly utilitarian and aesthetic — Incorrect. ‘Aesthetic’ is not a separate category. The aesthetic pleasure of nature is one of the benefits listed inside the broadly utilitarian argument. This option also leaves out the ethical argument.

Option (2) Broadly utilitarian, ethical and aesthetic — Incorrect. It leaves out the narrowly utilitarian argument, the direct economic benefits, and adds aesthetic as a category.

Option (3) Narrowly utilitarian, broadly utilitarian and ethical — Correct. Narrowly utilitarian, broadly utilitarian and ethical are the three categories named in the book.

Option (4) Narrowly utilitarian, ethical and aesthetic — Incorrect. It leaves out the broadly utilitarian argument, the ecosystem services, and adds aesthetic as a category.

NCERT Extract:
Why Should We Conserve Biodiversity? – “There are many reasons, some obvious and others not so obvious, but all equally important. They can be grouped into three categories: narrowly utilitarian, broadly utilitarian, and ethical. … There are other intangible benefits – that we derive from nature–the aesthetic pleasures of walking through thick woods, watching spring flowers in full bloom or waking up to a bulbul’s song in the morning.”