What are the major types of marine habitats?

The major types of marine habitats encompass a diverse array of ecosystems crucial for supporting various marine life. The correct choice includes coral reefs, estuaries, coastal zones, the open ocean, and deep-sea environments.

Coral reefs are vibrant ecosystems known for their biodiversity, providing habitat and nourishment for numerous marine species. Estuaries serve as transition zones where freshwater from rivers meets saltwater from the ocean, creating nutrient-rich environments that support various life forms. Coastal zones are highly productive areas along the shore that include mangroves and tidal flats, offering shelter and resources for wildlife. The open ocean, or pelagic zone, covers vast areas of water that are critical for many marine species. Lastly, deep-sea environments, characterized by extreme pressures and minimal light, host specially adapted organisms and are vital for understanding marine biodiversity.

The other options include habitats that are not primarily marine. For example, freshwater lakes and rivers are not considered marine habitats, as they contain freshwater rather than saltwater. Deserts and grasslands pertain to terrestrial ecosystems, which do not fit the classification of marine habitats. Therefore, the range of ecosystems given in the correct answer provides a more accurate representation of the major marine habitats found in our oceans.