Consider the following statements: 1. Assertion (A): Mangroves are very specialised forest ecosystems of tropical and subtropical regions bordering certain sea coasts. 2. Reason (R): They stabilise the shoreline and act as bulwark against encroachments by sea. In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?

1. This is an Assertion-Reason question about Mangroves. 2. Assertion (A): Mangroves are indeed very specialised forest ecosystems found in tropical and subtropical regions along sea coasts, estuaries, and tidal zones, adapted to saline and waterlogged conditions. The assertion is true. 3. Reason (R): One of the critical ecological functions of Mangroves is that their dense root systems trap sediments and stabilise the shoreline, acting as a natural bulwark against coastal erosion and encroachments by the sea (like storm surges). The reason is true. 4. Relationship: The reason (stabilising function) is a direct consequence and a key characteristic resulting from the specialised nature of the mangrove ecosystem described in the assertion. It explains *why* these ecosystems are significant and highlights one aspect of their specialisation. Therefore, R is a correct explanation of A, emphasizing a key aspect of their specialized nature and ecological role.