Step 1: Gaia Hypothesis Explained.
The Gaia Hypothesis, conceived by James Lovelock, posits that Earth and its biota function as a self-regulating entity. It proposes that terrestrial life actively shapes its environment to sustain conditions favorable for its continuation.
Step 2: Option Evaluation.
- (1) James Lovelock: Correct. Lovelock formulated the Gaia Hypothesis, asserting Earth's self-regulating nature.
- (2) Ernst Friedrich Schumacher: Incorrect. Schumacher concentrated on sustainable economics and development, not the Gaia Hypothesis.
- (3) Murray Bookchin: Incorrect. Bookchin was a social theorist specializing in ecology and anarchism, unrelated to the Gaia Hypothesis.
- (4) Rudolph Bahro: Incorrect. Bahro was an ecological theorist, but not the originator of the Gaia Hypothesis.
Step 3: Final Answer.
The correct selection is (1) James Lovelock.