Which statement would most strengthen the argument that mangroves provide physical protection and ecological services?

• A. Mangroves have no ecological value.
• B. Mangroves are not found near coastlines.
• C. Mangroves only occur in deserts.
• D. Mangroves provide physical protection and ecological services worth conserving.

Answer: (D)

The main idea being tested is using concrete benefits to strengthen an argument. The best statement does this directly by naming the positive roles mangroves play—physical protection for coastlines and a range of ecological services—and by emphasizing their conservation value. This gives clear, tangible support for why mangroves matter, making the argument more persuasive.

The other statements would weaken the case or are factually incorrect: saying mangroves have no ecological value, or that they don’t occur along coastlines, or that they occur only in deserts, contradicts the idea of protective and ecological benefits and undercut the argument.