Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Seeds of castor and maize are classified as albuminous seeds. Reason (R): In these seeds, the endosperm is completely consumed by the developing embryo before seed maturation. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

Assertion (A) is true because castor and maize both produce albuminous seeds, meaning they retain a part of the endosperm as it is not completely used up during embryo development. Reason (R) is false because the complete consumption of the endosperm by the developing embryo before seed maturation is the characteristic of non-albuminous (ex-albuminous) seeds, such as pea and groundnut. Albuminous seeds, by definition, do not completely consume their endosperm. Answer: Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.