Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Biodiversity of the prokaryotes cannot be quantified precisely. Reason (R): Conventional taxonomic methods are not suitable for the identification and characterisation of all microbes.

• 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.

Hint:

Most bacteria are "unculturable," so we can't count them all using old methods.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Concept
Microbial diversity is vast, and many prokaryotes are currently unculturable in laboratory settings.

Step 2: Analysis
Conventional taxonomic methods often rely on phenotypic traits and the ability to grow microbes in pure culture (the "Great Plate Count Anomaly").

Step 3: Meaning
Because a vast majority of microbes cannot be cultured, these conventional methods fail to identify or characterize them, making precise quantification of total biodiversity impossible.

Step 4: Conclusion
Both statements are true, and the failure of conventional methods (R) is exactly why quantification remains imprecise (A). Final Answer: (A)