Text 1: Oceanographer Dr. Nina Torres studies deep-sea mining. "The ocean floor contains vast mineral deposits essential for green technology," Torres reports. "Nodules rich in cobalt and manganese could supply battery production for decades."
Text 2: Marine biologist Dr. James Wu opposes deep-sea extraction. "We barely understand deep-ocean ecosystems," Wu argues. "Mining would destroy habitats before we comprehend their importance. The precautionary principle demands we pause exploitation."
What is the fundamental tension between Torres's and Wu's perspectives?
Resource extraction for technology versus ecosystem preservation and caution
Renewable energy versus fossil fuel dependence
Academic research versus commercial interests
Domestic mining versus international cooperation
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the correct answer. Torres emphasizes resource value for technology. Wu emphasizes protecting poorly understood ecosystems ("barely understand"). They conflict on extraction vs. preservation.
- Evidence: Torres: supply batteries; Wu: pause exploitation.
- Reasoning: Technology needs vs. ecological precaution.
- Conclusion: The core tension is extraction vs. preservation.
Choice B is incorrect because both discuss green technology, not fossil fuels. Choice C is incorrect because both are academics. Choice D is incorrect because geography isn't the issue.