The shift in human attitudes in Europe from persecuting large carnivores to restoring carnivore populations parallels the decline in (i)____ approaches to wildlife and the increased recognition of (ii)____values of all species. Nonetheless, the shift in attitude occurs at different rates in different regions. The assumption that resistance to carnivore restoration is simply lack of knowledge is (iii)____. Compelling data and attitudinal theory predict that people with strongly held opinions become more extreme in their opinions after receiving more information.

The part of the sentence highlighted in blue tells us that information does not convince people to change their opinion. Therefore the blank just before this sentence must be gross oversimplification.

The part of the sentence highlighted in red, especially the underlined phrase "all species" suggests intrinsic as the correct choice. Also if there is a shift in attitude from hunting to restoring carnivores, then this further indicates that the value of one more class of species has been recognized. There is nothing to suggest that there is something exotic or pragmatic about the carnivores in particular and all species in general.

Finally the shift from persecuting to restoring carnivores (highlighted in green) does not indicate a decline in aesthetic approaches and definitely not conservationist approaches. Rather it suggests a decline in utilitarian approaches and that sits well with idea of recognizing the intrinsic value of all species.