Which environmental feature provides habitat for a vast range of marine species?

Coral reefs play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by serving as a habitat for a diverse array of marine species. They are often referred to as the "rainforests of the sea" due to their rich biodiversity, which supports thousands of species, including fish, invertebrates, and plant life. The structural complexity of coral reefs provides shelter and breeding grounds, allowing numerous marine organisms to thrive. Additionally, coral reefs contribute to the overall health of the ocean environment by supporting food chains and protecting shorelines from erosion.

Other options, while also important for various ecological reasons, do not match the extensive range and diversity of habitats that coral reefs provide. Tide pools, for example, are smaller and typically have more limited biodiversity, and estuaries, although they are critical for certain life stages of marine species, do not support the same level of biodiversity as coral reefs. Wetlands are vital for numerous terrestrial and aquatic species, yet they are not exclusively marine environments like coral reefs.