What component prevents engine damage if an engine-driven hydraulic pump seizes?

The correct choice is the shear section in the pump driveshaft. This component is designed to protect the engine from damage in the event that the engine-driven hydraulic pump seizes. When a hydraulic pump seizes, it can create excessive loads on the driveshaft. A shear section is engineered to fail under such excessive load conditions, effectively breaking the connection between the pump and the engine. This prevents potential catastrophic failure of the engine by allowing it to continue operating without the added stress inflicted by a seized pump.

In contrast, the other options serve different purposes within a hydraulic system. A pressure relief valve is designed to release pressure when it exceeds a predetermined limit, protecting the system from high-pressure scenarios but not specifically from pump seizure. An accumulator is used to store hydraulic fluid under pressure for use during varying demand but does not directly prevent damage from a seized pump. A bypass valve allows fluid to flow in an alternate route when certain conditions are met, but it also does not address damage from a seizing scenario.