Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Domestic water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) are divided into two distinct subspecies based on their habitat, behavior, utility, and cytogenetic profile: riverine buffaloes and swamp buffaloes. These subspecies have different chromosome numbers.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the cytogenetic and geographical profiles of the two buffalo subspecies:
Riverine Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis bubalis): These buffaloes prefer clean, running water, are highly developed for dairy purposes (e.g., Murrah, Nili-Ravi, Jaffrabadi, and Surti breeds), and are widely distributed across India.
Cytogenetically, riverine buffaloes have a diploid chromosome number of\(2n = 50\).
Since Statement (I) claims they have 48 chromosomes, Statement (I) isincorrect.
Swamp Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis carabanesis): These buffaloes prefer marshy swamp lands, are primarily used for draft power in agricultural fields, and are distributed across Southeast Asia and parts of Northeast India (Assam and Manipur).
Cytogenetically, swamp buffaloes have a diploid chromosome number of\(2n = 48\).
Since Statement (II) claims they have 50 chromosomes, Statement (II) isincorrect.
The chromosome numbers in the two statements are reversed, making both statements incorrect.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (B).