Final answer:
Gifford Pinchot advocated for land preservation for economic benefits and scientific research, emphasizing utilitarian conservation and inherent value of wilderness.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Gifford Pinchot's theory on conservation, land should be preserved for two primary reasons: utilitarian conservation (i.e., conservation of resources for the good of the public) and the recognition of the inherent value of forests and other wilderness areas. Pinchot, the Chief Forester under President Teddy Roosevelt, was a proponent of conserving land so that it could provide ongoing benefits to society, such as resources, recreation, and protection of watersheds. This approach balances the need for economic sustainability with the preservation of natural areas for their aesthetic, cultural, and biodiversity values. The correct answer reflecting these ideals is: Option B, For economic benefits and scientific research. This option aligns with Pinchot’s vision of resource management or 'sustained yield' and the scientific understanding of ecological functions which contribute to overall biodiversity and the health of ecosystems.