Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Gametes of threatened species can be preserved in viable and fertile conditions for long periods using cryopreservation. Reason (R): Cryopreservation is an advanced in situ conservation approach for preserving genetic diversity. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answ

Step-by-step solution

Assertion (A) is true. Advances in ex situ conservation techniques allow gametes of threatened species to be preserved in viable and fertile conditions for long periods using cryopreservation (preservation at very low temperatures, typically in liquid nitrogen at -196^ C ). Reason (R) is false. Cryopreservation is an ex situ (off-site) conservation strategy, not an in situ (on-site) conservation approach. In situ conservation involves protecting the species in its natural habitat (e.g., National Parks, Biosphere Re