Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Ecological energetics involve quantity of energy used by green plants for photosynthesis. Reason (R): Ecological energetics involve quantity and path of energy flow from producers to consumers. Choose the most appropriate answer.

• 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:

Ecological energetics deals with energy capture by producers and energy transfer through food chains from producers to consumers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Ecological energetics studies the flow of energy in an ecosystem. It includes energy captured by green plants and energy transferred from producers to consumers.

Step 1: Checking Assertion (A).
Green plants capture solar energy during photosynthesis. This energy becomes the basic source of energy in an ecosystem. \[ \text{Sunlight} \rightarrow \text{Green plants} \rightarrow \text{Food energy} \] So, the assertion is correct.

Step 2: Checking Reason (R).
Ecological energetics studies the quantity and path of energy flow from producers to consumers. Producers are green plants, and consumers depend directly or indirectly on producers. \[ \text{Producers} \rightarrow \text{Consumers} \] So, the reason is also correct.

Step 3: Checking explanation.
Reason (R) explains Assertion (A) because the energy used by green plants is the starting point of energy flow in the ecosystem. Therefore, both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation.