Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I) : Assamese buffaloes have 48, 49 and 50 chromosomes.
Statement (II) : Manipuri buffaloes have 48 chromosomes, and are true swamp buffaloes.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Hint:

Swamp buffaloes have \(2n = 48\) and river buffaloes have \(2n = 50\). Hybridization yields fertile F1 progeny with an intermediate chromosome count of \(2n = 49\).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Domestic Asian water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) are categorized as river buffaloes (\(2n=50\)) or swamp buffaloes (\(2n=48\)).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement (I) discusses the chromosome count of Assamese buffaloes.
The Brahmaputra Valley of Assam is a transition zone where swamp and river buffaloes crossbreed.
As a result of this natural hybridization, the local buffalo population includes:
- Pure swamp buffaloes with \(2n = 48\) chromosomes.
- River-swamp crossbreds (F1 hybrids) with \(2n = 49\) chromosomes.
- Pure river buffaloes with \(2n = 50\) chromosomes.
Therefore, Statement (I) is correct.
Statement (II) describes the genetics of the Manipuri buffalo.
Manipuri buffaloes are physically and genetically classified as true swamp buffaloes, which are used for tilling marshy land.
They possess a diploid chromosome number of \(2n = 48\).
Therefore, Statement (II) is correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.