Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A) : Bt corn, has adverse effects on Monarch butterfly populations. Reason (R) : It has adverse effects on Monarch butterfly populations, which are not the original target of the pesticide. In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Hint:

Both statements are true, but the reason only states that the butterfly is a non-target insect and does not give the cause of harm.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Studies showed that pollen of Bt corn falling on milkweed leaves harmed Monarch caterpillars.

Step 2: Assertion
This is a known concern with GM crops, so A is true.

Step 3: Reason
The Monarch is a non-target insect, since Bt toxin was meant for pests like the corn borer. So R is true.

Step 4: Link
R just restates the effect. The cause is that the Cry toxin also acts on other lepidopteran larvae, so R is not the explanation.

Final Answer:
Both are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. \[ \boxed{\text{(B) }\text{Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).}} \]