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Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Saprophytes play a vital role in ecosystems but are not given any place in ecological pyramids. Reason (R): Saprophytes are exclusively primary producers and form the base of the detritus food chain. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given bel

Options

  1. ABoth (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
  2. BBoth (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
  3. C(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
  4. D(A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Correct answer

C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct

Step-by-step solution

Assertion (A) is a correct statement. One of the major limitations of ecological pyramids is that saprophytes (decomposers) are not given any place in them, despite their vital role in the ecosystem. Reason (R) is an incorrect statement. Saprophytes are heterotrophic organisms (decomposers) that meet their energy and nutrient requirements by degrading dead organic matter or detritus. They are not primary producers. Primary producers are autotrophs. Therefore, (A) is correct but (R) is not correct. Answer: (A) is co

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