The rational and prudent use of natural resources is known as

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term that describes using natural resources wisely and carefully, so that they last and are not wasted.

Step 2: Explain the concept Look at what each term means:

• Preservation: Keeping resources completely untouched, with no human use allowed (e.g., a strict nature reserve where nothing is harvested).
• Conservation: The wise, planned and sustainable use of natural resources so that they are available for present and future generations. The key ideas are "rational" (sensible) and "prudent" (careful).
• Utilization: Simply using a resource. It says nothing about using it wisely or sustainably.
• Management: Controlling or administering something. It is a broader term and is not the standard definition of wise use of resources.

Step 3: Solve The phrase "rational and prudent use" matches the standard textbook definition of conservation: the rational use of natural resources in such a way that they are not depleted and remain available for future generations.

Preservation (A) is ruled out because it means no use at all, while the question describes use that is wise. Utilization (C) ignores the "prudent" part. Management (D) is too general.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. conservation.

Tip: Remember "Conservation = Careful use" and "Preservation = Protect, don't touch." WASSCE often tests the difference between these two words, so link "wise use" to conservation every time.