Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Statement (1) and other one labelled as Statement (2).
Statement (1): Indica rice are better adapted to low temperature while Japonica rice to high temperature for better ripening.
Statement (2): Indica rice are grown throughout the tropics and subtropics while Japonicas are limited to temperate and subtropics.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statements are correct.
• B. Statement (1) is correct but Statement (2) is incorrect.
• C. Statement (1) is incorrect but Statement (2) is correct.
• D. Both Statements are incorrect.

Hint:

Remember:
Indica \(\rightarrow\) India/Tropics \(\rightarrow\) Warm/High Temp.
Japonica \(\rightarrow\) Japan/Temperate \(\rightarrow\) Cool/Low Temp.
This basic geographic association will help you avoid swapping their environmental preferences.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests the agronomic and climatic adaptation differences between the two primary subspecies (ecotypes) of cultivated Asian rice (Oryza sativa): indica and japonica.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each statement individually:
- Statement (1): Indica rice varieties originated in tropical regions and are highly adapted to warm, humid tropical environments with high temperatures.
They are sensitive to cold temperatures, which can cause spikelet sterility.
Conversely, japonica rice varieties evolved in cooler regions and are better adapted to temperate or high-altitude subtropical climates.
They have high cold tolerance, which allows them to grow and ripen well under lower temperatures.
Statement (1) states the exact opposite of this fact.
Therefore, Statement (1) is incorrect.
- Statement (2): Globally, the distribution of these subspecies aligns with their temperature sensitivity.
Indica varieties are dominant in the tropical regions of South and Southeast Asia.
Japonica varieties are primarily cultivated in temperate regions such as Japan, Korea, northern China, and higher elevations in the subtropics.
Therefore, Statement (2) is correct.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Statement (1) is incorrect, but Statement (2) is correct.
Therefore, the correct choice is Option (C).