Step 1: Reaction
Carboxylic acids are stronger than carbonic acid, so they decompose bicarbonate: \(RCOOH + NaHCO_3 \rightarrow RCOONa + H_2O + CO_2\uparrow\).
Step 2: Meaning
The brisk effervescence is carbon dioxide. Aldehydes, ketones and acid chlorides do not give this test with bicarbonate.
Final Answer:
The group is carboxylic acid, -COOH.
\[ \boxed{\text{(D)}\ -\text{COOH}} \]