[A]: Submerged plants, get `CO_2` in-the form of `CO_3^(-) & HCO_3^(-3)`
[R]: Stomata are absent in submerged plants

Options

A. If both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
B. If both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
C. If A is true and R is false
D. If both A and R are false

Answer

To solve the question regarding the assertion and reason related to submerged plants, we can break it down into a step-by-step analysis.

### Step 1: Understand the Assertion
The assertion states that submerged plants get carbon dioxide (CO2) in the form of carbonates (CO3^2-) and bicarbonates (HCO3^-).

**Hint:** Think about how submerged plants differ from terrestrial plants in terms of gas exchange.

### Step 2: Understand the Reason
The reason states that stomata are absent in submerged plants.

**Hint:** Recall the role of stomata in gas exchange for terrestrial plants and why submerged plants might not need them.

### Step 3: Analyze the Relationship
1. **Assertion Analysis**: Submerged plants do indeed absorb CO2 in the form of bicarbonates and carbonates. This is because they are underwater and do not have the same mechanism for gas exchange as land plants.

2. **Reason Analysis**: Stomata are small openings on the surface of leaves that allow for gas exchange. In submerged plants, the absence of stomata means they cannot take in CO2 from the air, which is why they utilize bicarbonates and carbonates instead.

**Hint:** Consider how the absence of stomata affects the way submerged plants acquire CO2.

### Step 4: Determine the Truth of Both Statements
- Both the assertion and reason are true.
- However, the reason does not directly explain the assertion. The assertion is about how submerged plants acquire CO2, while the reason simply states that stomata are absent.

**Hint:** Think about whether the reason logically supports the assertion or if they are simply both true statements.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Since both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason does not explain the assertion, the correct answer is that both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation for A.

**Final Answer:** Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation for A.