Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): In a grazing food chain, primary carnivores occupy the third trophic level. Reason (R): Herbivores, which feed directly on producers, occupy the second trophic level. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

Assertion (A) is true: Primary carnivores feed on herbivores. Since producers form the first trophic level and herbivores form the second, the organisms that eat herbivores (primary carnivores) naturally occupy the third trophic level. Reason (R) is true: Herbivores are primary consumers that eat producers, placing them at the second trophic level. The Reason correctly explains the Assertion because the sequential numbering of trophic levels means the position of primary carnivores (third trophic level) is a direct