Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion A and the other as Reason R. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

Assertion (A):Beneath the surface horizons, the subsoil usually has a lower organic content and a higher concentration of mineral particles.

Reason (R):Subsoil is generally made up of weathered rock fragments.

ABoth A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A ✓ Correct

BBoth A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A

CA is correct but R is not correct

DA is not correct but R is correct

Correct answer: (A) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A

Explanation

Below the topsoil the subsoil holds less organic matter and more mineral grains, which the assertion states correctly.

The reason notes that subsoil is largely made of weathered rock fragments, which is also correct.

Weathering of the parent rock supplies mineral fragments while organic input stays near the surface, so the reason explains the assertion.

Organic material accumulates in the upper horizons from decaying plants, leaving the subsoil mineral-rich.

The link between rock weathering and low organic content makes the reason a valid explanation.

The deepest layer, the parent material, grades into unweathered bedrock below.

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