Which tool would you use to merge two or more shapefiles into one?

The Merge tool is specifically designed for combining two or more shapefiles into a single dataset. When utilizing this tool, all selected shapefiles retain their attributes, and the resultant shapefile encompasses the combined geometry of the inputs. This is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple datasets share a common area of interest and need to be unified into one comprehensive layer for analysis or visualization purposes.

This operation is distinct from other tools mentioned in the choices. While the Union tool is used to create a new shapefile that includes all geometries from the input shapefiles and their overlapping areas (thereby also taking into account attributes), it may not be appropriate if the goal is simply to combine datasets without considering overlaps. Similarly, the Dissolve tool is meant for aggregating features based on a specified attribute, eliminating boundaries between adjacent features with the same attribute value, which is not the primary function when merging shapefiles. The Clip tool is typically used to cut out a portion of one shapefile based on the extent of another, which is a different process altogether from merging data.

In summary, the Merge tool is the most fitting option for the task of combining multiple shapefiles into one, as it directly serves that purpose without altering the individual attributes