Some conservation organizations focus on protecting charismatic megafauna like pandas and elephants, which attract significant public donations. Critics argue that less photogenic species—including many insects and plants critical to ecosystems—receive inadequate attention despite their ecological importance. Defenders respond that flagship species can protect entire habitats, indirectly benefiting other organisms.
Based on the passage, it can be inferred that
pandas and elephants have no ecological value
conservation strategies may involve trade-offs between public appeal and ecological priorities
all conservation organizations focus exclusively on charismatic megafauna
insects are too numerous to face extinction
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. Popular species get funding; ecologically important ones may not.
- Context clues: Charismatic species "attract donations"; critical species receive "inadequate attention."
- Meaning: What's popular and what's most ecologically important may not align.
- Verify: The debate between approaches shows competing priorities.
đź’ˇ Strategy: When limited resources must be allocated between competing goods, infer trade-offs.
Choice A is incorrect because the passage doesn't claim pandas/elephants lack value. Choice C is incorrect because the passage describes "some" organizations. Choice D is incorrect because the passage treats insects as needing conservation.