A research study reported by Me journal 'Science' presents the

Non underlined portion of the Orginal Sentence has a parallel marker. Only Option C & D has the parallel structure.

Also when we defined a role "as" should be used. "Act as a"

Hence option A, B & E are wrong.

Between C & D, C has no verb.

IMO D is the right answer

A research study reported by Me journal 'Science' presents the conclusion that the havoc wrought by the Tsunami of Dec 26, 2004, was very high because of the removal of mangroves from Me coastline, which otherwise acting like a buffer, absorb the energy of crashing waves and protecting the beaches.


the proper use if "act as" not "act like" when we discuss function/role


"it" incorrectly refers to plural "mangroves"


there is any working verb here so the option ends up in a sentence fragmet


Correct
"mangroves act as a buffer, absorbing" - S-V pair works well and V-ing modifier is properly placed and separated with a comma to modify an action of the previous sentence.


"act like" - same issue as in A

Parallel to protecting the beaches

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