A 'Cache Stampede' occurs when a popular resource (e.g., a viral tweet) expires from the cache and 10,000 users request it at the same microsecond. How does 'Request Coalescing' at the Gateway solve this?

1. A It identifies the identical requests, sends ONLY ONE request to the backend, and serves that single response to all 10,000 waiting clients.
2. B It automatically extends the cache expiration time by 10 hours for any item that is requested more than twice.
3. C It distributes the 10,000 requests across different databases to balance the load.
4. D It requires the users to solve a CAPTCHA to prove they are human before it fetches the data.