Which one of the options best describes the transformation of the 2-dimensional figure $\mathbf{P}$ to $\mathbf{Q}$, and then to $\mathbf{R}$, as shown?

To determine the sequence of transformations:

1. Transformation from $\mathbf{P}$ to $\mathbf{Q}$ (Operation 1):

   • Observe the orientation of the prominent long spike of the star in figure $\mathbf{P}$.

   • Rotating figure $\mathbf{P}$ clockwise by $90^\circ$ about the perpendicular axis transforms it precisely into the orientation of figure $\mathbf{Q}$.

2. Transformation from $\mathbf{Q}$ to $\mathbf{R}$ (Operation 2):

   • Comparing $\mathbf{Q}$ and $\mathbf{R}$, the top and bottom features are inverted while the left and right positions are maintained relative to the vertical axis.

   • This represents a reflection across a horizontal line (i.e., flipping top-to-bottom).

Therefore, (A) correctly describes both operations.