Which of the following is a key component of ecosystems preservation strategies?

Captive breeding is a key component of ecosystem preservation strategies because it serves to increase the population size of endangered species in a controlled environment. This approach helps to mitigate the risks associated with habitat loss, poaching, and other threats that can lead to extinction. By breeding animals in captivity and later reintroducing them into their natural habitats, conservationists can help restore populations of species that are at risk and improve genetic diversity.

This method is often part of broader conservation initiatives that include habitat restoration, pollution control, and sustainable resource management, all aimed at maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health. Other options, such as urban development and industrial expansion, typically pose risks to ecosystems by contributing to habitat destruction and fragmentation. Meteorological research, while important for understanding climate and environmental changes, is not a direct action strategy for preserving ecosystems.