Question

The overfishing and destruction of the Grand Banks; the destruction of salmon runs on the rivers having been dammed; and the devastation of sturgeon fishery on the Columbia river in the Northwest United States exemplify}

• A. resource depletion
• B. overfishing and overpopulation
• C. overpopulation in companion animals
• D. tragedy of the commons

Hint:

“Tragedy of the commons” = overuse of shared resources (like fisheries, forests) leading to depletion—very important concept.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: The tragedy of the commons refers to the overuse and depletion of shared resources due to individual self-interest. Step 1:Understand the examples.}

• Overfishing of Grand Banks
• Destruction of salmon due to damming
• Decline of sturgeon fishery

All involve shared natural resources being overexploited.
Step 2:Link to concept.
When individuals exploit common resources without regulation, it leads to depletion: \[ \Rightarrow \text{Tragedy of the commons} \]
Step 3:Eliminate incorrect options.}

• Resource depletion $\rightarrow$ General term, not specific concept
• Overfishing and overpopulation $\rightarrow$ Partial explanation
• Companion animals $\rightarrow$ Irrelevant

Final Answer: \[ {\text{tragedy of the commons}} \]