Soru

Throughout the twentieth century, environmental conservation was largely defined by a philosophy of preservationism, which held that natural ecosystems should be left entirely undisturbed by human activity. Proponents of this view believed that wilderness possessed an intrinsic balance capable of self-regulation. However, contemporary ecological research has increasingly challenged this passive model, demonstrating that historical human disturbances and global trade have irreversibly altered natural habitats. Modern ecologists argue that deliberate human intervention is frequently required to check the proliferation of invasive species that threaten vulnerable native biodiversity. Without targeted management, aggressive non-native flora can rapidly outcompete endemic species for nutrients and light, destabilizing entire food webs. Consequently, contemporary environmental management has evolved from strict non-interference to active stewardship, recognizing that preserving ecological integrity often demands strategic, hands-on intervention rather than mere observation.

In the context of the passage, which of the following words most nearly means 'check'?