Question

Assertion (A): The micro-organisms which break down the complex organic compounds present in dead organisms like dead plants and animals, and their products like faeces, urine, etc., into simpler substances are called decomposers.

Reason (R): It is due to the presence of decomposers that the various nutrient elements which were initially taken by plants from the soil, air and water are returned to the soil, air and water after the death of plants and animals.

Options

• Both A and R are true and R is correct explanation of the assertion.

• Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

• A is true but R is false.

• A is false but R is true.

Answer 1

Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

Explanation:

Decomposers are microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down the complex organic compounds present in dead plants, dead animals, and their wastes (faeces, urine, etc.) into simpler substances. Therefore, Assertion (A) is true.

Decomposers return the nutrients present in dead organisms to the soil, air, and water, making them available again for plants and helping maintain nutrient cycling. Therefore, Reason (R) is true.

However, Reason (R) does not explain the definition of decomposers given in the Assertion. It describes their role in nutrient recycling, not why they are called decomposers.

Hence, both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of the assertion.