Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Direct sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant, helping to control bacteria, viruses, and parasites in open pastures and animal paddocks.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement (I) describes the effect of Ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Sunlight contains ultraviolet radiation (UV-A and UV-B).
These UV rays are absorbed by the DNA and RNA of pathogens, damaging their genetic material and preventing them from reproducing, which leads to their death.
Therefore, Statement (I) is correct.
Statement (II) refers to the thermal effect of sunlight.
Sunlight also carries thermal (infrared) energy.
Direct exposure to this heat raises surface temperatures and dries out moisture.
Since most disease-causing bacteria and parasites need moisture to survive, this rapid dehydration kills them.
Therefore, Statement (II) is correct.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.