Which approach did mercantilists encourage european rulers to take toward natural resources in the american colonies? a) conserve them to benefit european colonists and future populations b) determine their extent and use them to benefit all native peoples c) use only renewable resources to make profitable parent country products d) exploit them fully to achieve maximum profit for the parent country

The correct answer is option D) "exploit them fully to achieve maximum profit for the parent country".

Explanation:

The main goal of the Expansion of Europe of the 15th century was to gain power in the form of lands and natural resources. Once the European rulers in the American colonies found that American countries were rich in resources such as gold and silver they received orders from mercantilists to exploit them fully to achieve maximum profit for the parent country. European countries such as Spain, Great Britain, Portugal, France and the Netherlands were competing for power, and the more resources the more power they would gain in Europe.

c. legislation should seek to resolve social problems.