Which of the following is a purpose of conservation?

Preserving biodiversity is a fundamental purpose of conservation. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including the range of species, genetic diversity, and the ecosystems that support them. Conservation efforts aim to protect these natural resources from threats such as habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution, ensuring that ecosystems remain healthy and resilient. By maintaining biodiversity, conservation helps support ecosystem services such as clean air and water, pollination of crops, and climate regulation, which are essential for sustaining life on our planet.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the core goals of conservation. While enhancing economic growth can have environmental implications, it is not primarily focused on protecting natural resources. Increasing urbanization often leads to habitat loss and fragmentation, which is detrimental to biodiversity. Promoting individualism does not connect with the collective effort required in conservation practices aimed at protecting ecosystems and their inhabitants. Thus, preserving biodiversity stands out as a key purpose of conservation efforts.