Final answer:
The conservation movement broke into two main factions: one advocating utilitarian conservation for public benefit, led by Gifford Pinchot, and the other focusing on preservation of natural environments for their inherent value, inspired by John Muir.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Ecological Society and Its Two Factions
The conservation movement, which gained significant traction by the late 1930s, evolved into two main factions that focus on different aspects of environmentalism. The first faction is associated with utilitarian conservation, led by figures such as Gifford Pinchot, who served under President Teddy Roosevelt. This group emphasizes the conservation of resources for public benefit, aligning with wildlife and fishing interests. The other faction, inspired by the work of John Muir, advocates for preservation based on the inherent value of natural areas, promoting the preservation of forests and other wilderness areas.
These differing perspectives exemplify the diversity within the ecological and conservation community regarding the use and management of natural resources. This division later resulted in the formation of various dedicated organizations, including the Society for Conservation Biology, which focuses on interdisciplinary conservation science and dynamic partnerships to address contemporary environmental challenges.