In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
[Same Passage as Above]

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 4.

In the context of ecology, wildlife, and natural ecosystems, the term "preserving" means to protect from injury, harm, or destruction, which perfectly fits the context of protecting wildlife and the environment.
Storing is used for inanimate physical objects.

Maintaining and retaining do not emphasize protection from danger/extinction as effectively as preserving.