Question

Assertion (A) : Decomposition process is slower, if detritus is rich in lignin and cutin.

Reason (R) : Decomposition is largely an oxygen-requiring process.

• A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• B. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• C. Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
• D. Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Hint:

Lignin and cutin slow decay by their chemistry, while oxygen need is a separate true fact, so R does not explain A.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Check the Assertion:
Lignin and cutin are tough chemicals that decomposers break down slowly. Detritus rich in them decays slowly.
Detritus rich in nitrogen and water-soluble sugars decays quickly. So A is true.

Step 2: Check the Reason:
NCERT says that decomposition is largely an oxygen-requiring process. So R is true.

Step 3: Decide if R explains A:
The slow decay in the Assertion is due to the chemical make-up of the detritus. It is not because of oxygen.
The Reason talks about oxygen need, which is a different factor. So R does not explain A.

Step 4: Pick the code:
Both are true but R is not the explanation, which is option (B).

Final Answer:
Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. \[ \boxed{\text{(B)}} \]