Question

Given below are two statements :
one is labelled as
Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as
Reason (R).
Assertion (A) :
Ruminants are able to digest complex plant material.
Reason (R) :
The Rumen community contains a community of microorganisms producing a variety of enzymes that can degrade plant polymers.
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

Hint:

Remember:
• Rumen \(\rightarrow\) Fermentation chamber in ruminants
• Cellulase-producing microbes \(\rightarrow\) Digest cellulose \[ \text{Ruminants depend on symbiotic microorganisms for cellulose digestion} \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Ruminants such as cows, buffaloes, sheep, and goats possess a specialized stomach chamber called the: \[ \text{Rumen} \] The rumen contains a diverse microbial community including:
• Bacteria
• Protozoa
• Fungi These microorganisms produce enzymes capable of degrading complex plant polymers such as:
• Cellulose
• Hemicellulose
• Pectin This symbiotic relationship allows ruminants to digest plant materials that many animals cannot digest efficiently.

Step 1: Evaluating Assertion (A). The assertion states: \[ \text{Ruminants are able to digest complex plant material} \] This statement is correct because ruminants efficiently digest cellulose-rich food materials. Therefore: \[ \boxed{(A) \text{ is correct}} \]

Step 2: Evaluating Reason (R). The reason states: \[ \text{The rumen community contains microorganisms producing enzymes that degrade plant polymers} \] This statement is also correct. Microorganisms in the rumen produce enzymes such as: \[ \text{Cellulases} \] which break down cellulose into simpler compounds. Hence: \[ \boxed{(R) \text{ is correct}} \]

Step 3: Determining whether (R) explains (A). The reason directly explains why ruminants can digest complex plant material. Because: \[ \text{Microbial enzymes degrade plant polymers} \] Thus: \[ \boxed{(R) \text{ is the correct explanation of } (A)} \] Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{(A)\ \text{Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)}} \]