Which national park is widely recognised as the world's first national park?

Introduction / Context:
The concept of a national park, where land is protected for conservation and for the enjoyment of the public, began in the nineteenth century and has since spread across the world. Many examinations in geography and general knowledge ask about the world first national park, because it marks the starting point of organised nature conservation at a national level. Knowing the name and country of this first park helps students understand the history of protected areas.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question asks for the world first national park.
- The options list several famous parks: Yosemite, Yellowstone, Banff, Kruger, and Serengeti.
- We assume that the student is familiar with basic facts about conservation history and protected areas.

Concept / Approach:
Yellowstone National Park, located mainly in the United States state of Wyoming and extending into Montana and Idaho, is widely recognised as the first national park in the world. It was established in 1872. While Yosemite in the United States, Banff in Canada, and other parks in Africa are also early and important, they were designated later. Therefore, when asked about the world first national park, the standard answer in textbooks and exam materials is Yellowstone National Park.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Yellowstone National Park in the United States is often described as the first national park in the world. Step 2: Note that Yosemite, although very famous, gained full national park status later than Yellowstone. Step 3: Recognise that Banff in Canada and parks like Kruger and Serengeti in Africa were also established after Yellowstone. Step 4: Understand that the year 1872 is often mentioned in relation to the establishment of Yellowstone. Step 5: Select Yellowstone National Park as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Most reference books that discuss the history of national parks state clearly that Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, is considered the first national park in the world. They often credit this decision with inspiring the later creation of many other parks globally. In comparison, Yosemite and Banff are sometimes mentioned as early examples, but they follow Yellowstone in time. African parks such as Kruger and Serengeti are twentieth century creations. This confirms that Yellowstone is the correct choice for this question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Yosemite National Park: This is incorrect in this context because although it is an early and important park in the United States, it received national park status after Yellowstone.
Banff National Park: This is incorrect because Banff is Canada first national park, not the world first, and it was established later.
Kruger National Park: This is incorrect because Kruger is a major national park in South Africa but was created in the twentieth century.
Serengeti National Park: This is incorrect because Serengeti in Tanzania is also a famous but later established African national park.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the oldest national park in the world with the first in a particular country or region. For example, Banff is the first national park in Canada and Kruger is one of the earliest in Africa, but neither predates Yellowstone. Another error is to select Yosemite simply because it is very well known. To avoid confusion, remember the phrase Yellowstone, 1872, first national park when preparing for geography exams.

Final Answer:
The world first national park is Yellowstone National Park.