Question

Assertion (A): Food web is a network of several food chains operating in an ecosystem.

Reason (R): Food web decreases the stability of an ecosystem.

Options

• Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).

• Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (А).

• Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.

• Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Answer 1

Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.

Explanation:

• A food web is indeed a network of multiple interconnected food chains within an ecosystem. It represents the complex feeding relationships among organisms and enhances the flow of energy and nutrients. Therefore, Assertion (A) is true.
• However, a food web actually increases the stability of an ecosystem rather than decreasing it. A well-connected food web ensures that if one species declines or disappears, others can compensate, preventing ecosystem collapse. Thus, Reason (R) is false.