Tension exists between the ranchers who feel threatened by wolves and the conservationists who want to see wolves protected. Many ranchers want to remove federal protection for the gray wolves.

Which of the following describes what the word conservationists means in the first sentence?

(1 point)

O a person who works for the government

O a person who wants to preserve the environment and wildlife

O a person who owns animals for selling them

O a person who pursues animals for food

A person who wants to preserve the environment and wildlife.

The word "conservationists" in the first sentence refers to a person who wants to preserve the environment and wildlife.

To determine the meaning of the word "conservationists" in the given sentence, we can break it down and look at the context. First, let's look at the options provided:

O a person who works for the government: This option is unlikely, as the word "conservationists" does not explicitly imply that these people work for the government.

O a person who wants to preserve the environment and wildlife: This option aligns closely with the general understanding of conservationists. They are individuals who advocate for the protection and preservation of the natural environment and wildlife.

O a person who owns animals for selling them: This option describes a different type of individual called a rancher or livestock owner. Ranchers often raise animals for economic purposes, such as selling them.

O a person who pursues animals for food: This option describes individuals who hunt animals for food, typically referred to as hunters.

Considering the context that tension exists between the ranchers and the conservationists who want to protect wolves, it becomes apparent that option (2) - a person who wants to preserve the environment and wildlife - best describes what the word "conservationists" means in the given sentence.

To arrive at this conclusion, it is important to consider both the definitions of the words in question and the context within which they are used.