Final answer:
The term 'ancient moto' likely refers to traditional environmental management practices. These ancient techniques, observed in different cultures, promote a sustainable and reverent approach to nature, often leading to effective tree preservation option A is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The text describes various interactions between humans and the environment, including both sustainable and destructive practices. The mention of the ancient moto is likely a reference to ancient traditional methods or doctrines relating to environmental management.
Considering the passage referring to the Miwok and their land management that John Muir observed, and the Hindu texts from ancient India urging harmony with nature, it's reasonable to infer that the ancient moto might signify traditional knowledge systems that emphasize a symbiotic relationship with the environment.
As these systems often involve the sustainable management of natural resources, the correct answer to the student's question might be (a) Ancient moto is an effective tree preservation technique. This reflects the historical context of indigenous practices, which include burning, pruning, and selective harvesting to maintain the landscape, as well as the reverence for nature in plant cultivator cultures that encourages the protection of trees.