Why should habitat be protected in species conservation?

Because species depend on habitat for food and shelter

A habitat is the natural place where a species obtains food, water, shelter, and suitable conditions for living and reproducing. Protecting an animal or plant while destroying its habitat cannot provide lasting conservation. The habitat also supports relationships among organisms, such as food chains and breeding spaces. Therefore, habitat protection is a basic part of species conservation, not an optional extra.

Option A is correct because species depend on their habitat for food and shelter. If forests, grasslands, wetlands, or other habitats disappear, the species living there may lose resources, become exposed to danger, or be forced to move. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because habitats are useful living places, not useless things or maps, and organisms cannot normally live without suitable surroundings.

This is a Class 9 Geography question. Chapter: Natural Vegetation and Wildlife. Topic: Conservation.