NEETBotanyEcosystem
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Humus undergoes decomposition at an extremely fast rate, rapidly releasing inorganic nutrients into the soil. Reason (R): Humus is a dark-coloured, amorphous, colloidal substance that is highly resistant to microbial action. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer f
Options
- ABoth Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
- BBoth Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
- CAssertion is true but Reason is false.
- DAssertion is false but Reason is true.
Correct answer
D. Assertion is false but Reason is true.
Step-by-step solution
Humification leads to the accumulation of a dark-coloured amorphous substance called humus. According to NCERT, humus is highly resistant to microbial action and undergoes decomposition at an extremely slow rate. Being colloidal in nature, it serves as a reservoir of nutrients. Therefore, the Assertion is incorrect because humus decomposes very slowly, not at a fast rate. The Reason is a correct statement as it accurately describes the physical and biological properties of humus. Thus, Assertion is false but Reason