Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R . Assertion A : Abingdon tortoise in Galapagos islands became extinct within a decade after goats were introduced. Reason R : Goats were more efficient at browsing than Abingdon tortoise. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

Step-by-step solution

According to the competitive exclusion principle, when two species compete for the same limited resources, the competitively superior species will eventually eliminate the other. The Abingdon tortoise in the Galapagos Islands became extinct within a decade after goats were introduced on the island. This occurred because the goats had a greater browsing efficiency compared to the tortoises, leading to a lack of food resources for the tortoises. Thus, Assertion A is correct, and Reason R is also correct and provides