What type of compression leads to the loss of quality, often seen in audio and graphics?

The correct answer is lossy compression, which refers to a method of data compression that reduces a file's size by permanently eliminating certain information, particularly in audio and image files. This technique is commonly used when the primary goal is to reduce file size rather than maintain the original quality. For example, formats such as MP3 for audio and JPEG for images utilize lossy compression, allowing for smaller files that are more manageable for storage and transmission.

Lossy compression works by removing components of the data that are deemed less critical or outside the range of human perception. This can lead to a reduction in audio fidelity or image clarity, which is why it’s often used in multimedia applications where smaller file sizes are prioritized over perfect quality.

The other options describe different scenarios or methods. Lossless compression retains all the data from the original file, ensuring quality is preserved, which is critical for applications requiring perfect duplication. File compression is a general term that can encompass both lossy and lossless methods. Data preservation suggests maintaining original data without alteration, again contrasting with how lossy compression fundamentally operates.