Wildlife refuges are defined as areas set aside for what purpose?

• A. Urban development
• B. Climate research
• C. Protection and preservation of wild animals
• D. Agricultural use

Answer: (C)

Wildlife refuges exist to protect wild animals and their natural habitats. By designating areas to be set aside for conservation, these places aim to maintain biodiversity, provide safe spaces for species to feed, breed, and recover, and support ecosystem processes. That focus on safeguarding animals and their homes is why protecting and preserving wild animals is the best description. Urban development would encroach on and destroy habitat, climate research can occur elsewhere and isn’t the defining purpose, and agricultural use would typically conflict with conservation goals.