Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other…
2023
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Coral reefs are under threat because of sewage disposal in their nearby oceanic waters. Reason (R): Sewage disposal in oceans reduces the clarity of oceanic water.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
- A.
Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
- B.
Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
- C.
(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
- D.
(A) is not correct but (R) is correct
Attempted by 21 students.
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Correct answer: A
Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A). Sewage disposal introduces nutrients and suspended solids into oceanic waters, reducing water clarity. Coral reefs depend on symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that require sunlight for photosynthesis. Reduced water clarity limits light penetration, threatening the corals' survival. Thus, the reduction in water clarity (Reason) explains why sewage threatens coral reefs (Assertion).