Which type of biodiversity conservation argument includes the moral d…

The correct answer is Option (3) → Ethical

Reasons for conserving biodiversity fall into three groups: narrowly utilitarian, broadly utilitarian and ethical. The ethical argument is about what we owe to the millions of other species on the planet. Every species has an intrinsic value, even with no economic use, and we have a moral duty to care for them and pass them on to future generations.

Option (1) Narrowly utilitarian — Incorrect. The narrowly utilitarian argument is about direct products from nature, such as food, fibre, firewood and medicines.

Option (2) Broadly utilitarian — Incorrect. The broadly utilitarian argument is about ecosystem services, such as oxygen production, pollination and aesthetic pleasure.

Option (3) Ethical — Correct. The ethical argument speaks of a moral duty to care for other species and to pass our biological legacy on to future generations.

Option (4) Economic — Incorrect. “Economic” is not one of the book’s three groups. Economic benefits are covered by the utilitarian arguments, not by a moral duty.

NCERT Extract:
Why Should We Conserve Biodiversity? – “… The ethical argument for conserving biodiversity relates to what we owe to millions of plant, animal and microbe species with whom we share this planet. Philosophically or spiritually, we need to realise that every species has an intrinsic value, even if it may not be of current or any economic value to us. We have a moral duty to care for their well-being and pass on our biological legacy in good order to future generations.”