What technique assists in the study of genetic material in living organisms?

Gene mapping is the correct choice for studying genetic material in living organisms, as it involves identifying the specific genes located on chromosomes and determining the distances between these genes. This technique allows researchers to understand the organization of genetic material, how traits are inherited, and how certain genes relate to particular phenotypes or diseases.

Gene mapping can involve various methods, such as using markers and tracking inheritance patterns in family studies or employing modern techniques like genome sequencing to create detailed maps of entire organisms' genomes. This information is essential for fields such as genetics, medicine, and evolutionary biology, as it enables scientists to pinpoint genetic variations that can lead to important biological insights.

The other options, while related to biology, do not specifically focus on the study of genetic material. Cloning is more about replicating organisms or their cells, conservation biology focuses on protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, and habitat restoration aims to return degraded environments to their original state. Therefore, gene mapping is a technique directly aligned with understanding and analyzing genetic material in living organisms.