Which of the following is a key component of biodiversity conservation?

Restoring natural habitats is a key component of biodiversity conservation because it involves rehabilitating ecosystems that have been degraded or destroyed. Healthy ecosystems support a wide variety of species and provide essential services such as clean air and water, carbon storage, and pollination of crops. By restoring habitats, we create conditions that allow native species to thrive, increase genetic diversity, and enhance ecosystem resilience to environmental changes. This process also helps in maintaining ecological balance, promoting the recovery of species populations, and improving overall landscape connectivity, which is vital for species migration and adaptation.

In contrast, approaches that reduce protected area networks, promote invasive species, or maximize resource extraction typically lead to habitat degradation, loss of biodiversity, and increased threats to existing ecosystems. These practices can disrupt ecological relationships and diminish the capacity of natural systems to provide essential ecosystem services.