[A]: Indiscriminate exploitation of economi- cally important wild plants may lead to their extinction.
[R]: Conservation of the germplasm is re- sponsible for extinction of the species

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

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Assertion (A)**:
- The assertion states that "indiscriminate exploitation of economically important wild plants may lead to their extinction." This means that if we excessively use or harvest these plants without proper management, it could result in their disappearance from the ecosystem.

2. **Understanding the Reason (R)**:
- The reason provided is that "conservation of the germplasm is responsible for extinction of the species." Germplasm refers to the genetic material that is preserved for the purpose of breeding and conservation. The assertion suggests that this conservation effort is somehow causing extinction, which needs to be evaluated.

3. **Evaluating the Assertion**:
- The assertion is true. Overexploitation of wild plants, such as through deforestation for agriculture or urban development, can lead to a significant decline in plant populations. This can disrupt ecosystems and lead to extinction.

4. **Evaluating the Reason**:
- The reason is false. Conservation of germplasm is actually a strategy used to protect and preserve plant species, especially those that are endangered. It aims to maintain genetic diversity and ensure that species can survive and thrive. Therefore, it does not contribute to extinction; rather, it helps prevent it.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Since the assertion is true and the reason is false, the correct relationship is that the assertion is valid while the reason does not support it. Thus, the answer to the question is that the assertion is true, but the reason is false.