What does conservation aim to achieve in an ecosystem?

Conservation primarily aims to maintain a wide range of habitats because diverse habitats are crucial for supporting various species and ensuring the resilience of ecosystems. By preserving different types of ecosystems and their associated biodiversity, conservation efforts help sustain the ecological balance and promote the health and stability of the environment. A variety of habitats supports various species, which in turn contributes to ecosystem services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation.

Maintaining a diverse array of habitats helps to protect the interactions among species and their abiotic environment, contributing to the overall functionality and productivity of the ecosystem. This diversity not only provides more opportunities for species to thrive, but also increases the ecosystem's ability to adapt to changes and disturbances, such as climate change or human activities.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the goals of conservation. Resource extraction, species extinction, and restricting access to natural resources do not inherently contribute to maintaining biodiversity or ecosystem health, which are the central tenets of conservation efforts.