Correct Option: C

Ecotone regions (transitional zones) like mangroves, wetlands, estuaries, grasslands etc. have far greater productivity compared to natural ecosystems like forest ecosystem, ocean ecosystem, pond ecosystem, riverine ecosystem, desert ecosystem etc. This is because of the wide-ranging species from the adjacent ecosystems being present in the ecotone. Also, an estuary has very little wave action, so it provides a calm refuge from the open sea and hence becomes ideal for the survival of numerous aquatic species. Estuaries are most heavily populated areas throughout the world, with about 60% of the world’s population living along estuaries and the coast.