Question

question 10 of 16
white-nose syndrome (wns) has killed many bats, but some populations have not yet been affected. although wns has not yet impacted all regions where bats live, the disease’s likely spread in the face of global warming is cause for concern. bats are important predators of mosquitoes and other nocturnal insects, and they play an important role in the ecosystem. the continued decline of bat populations could have severe impacts on the environment and the species that share it, including humans.

which example represents an application of the precautionary principle as it relates to the spread of wns?
○ scientists conducting further research to identify why wns is killing so many bats
○ federal policy makers enacting a comprehensive plan to address wns in bats
○ federal agencies waiting until further research has been conducted prior to taking action
○ foundations waiting until bats become endangered before funding additional research

Explanation:

The precautionary principle involves taking preventive action in the face of potential harm, even with incomplete knowledge. Let's analyze each option:

• Option 1: Conducting research to identify why WNS kills bats is about understanding the problem, not preventive action.
• Option 2: Federal policymakers enacting a comprehensive plan to address WNS in bats is taking proactive steps to prevent further harm from WNS, which aligns with the precautionary principle.
• Option 3: Waiting for further research before acting goes against the precautionary principle (which advocates action despite uncertainty).
• Option 4: Waiting until bats are endangered to fund research is also not preventive, as it waits for a more severe situation.

Answer:

B. federal policy makers enacting a comprehensive plan to address WNS in bats