Read the excerpt from "Protecting the Great Barrier Reef."

Located in Queensland, Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is the world's most extensive coral reef structure. The reef has been evolving for over 15,000 years and is made up of over 3,000 individual reef systems. It covers a total area of 348,000 square kilometers—that's the same size as 70 million football fields! In fact, the Great Barrier Reef is the only living thing that is visible from space. The biodiversity of the reef is remarkable. It is home to many unique ecological communities, habitats, and species. Some of these species, such as turtles and crocodiles, have been around since prehistoric times. The reef contains 600 types of soft and hard corals. It also provides a habitat to 1,500 species of fish. 133 varieties of sharks and rays swim the waters of the reef. The region also hosts a variety of birds, whales, dolphins, and many other species. These species of the Great Barrier Reef and their habitats are deeply interconnected.

Select the evidence from the excerpt that best supports the idea that conservation of the reef is important to protect the habitats of a diverse range of organisms.

a
In fact, the Great Barrier Reef is the only living thing that is visible from space.
b
It covers a total area of 348,000 square kilometers—that's the same size as 70 million football fields!
c
Located in Queensland, Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is the world's most extensive coral reef structure.
d
These species of the Great Barrier Reef and their habitats are deeply interconnected.