Assertion: Sacred forests are refugia of rare, endangered and endemic taxa.
Reason: The land of sacred forests is fertile.

Options

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

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Assertion**: The assertion states that "sacred forests are refugia of rare, endangered, and endemic taxa." This means that these forests serve as safe havens for species that are at risk of extinction or are unique to specific regions.

2. **Defining Refugia**: The term "refugia" refers to areas where populations of organisms can survive during unfavorable environmental conditions. Sacred forests provide such an environment due to their protection from human activities.

3. **Cultural Significance**: Sacred forests often hold religious or cultural importance, leading local communities to preserve these areas. This preservation helps maintain biodiversity, as these forests are less disturbed compared to other forested areas.

4. **Analyzing the Reason**: The reason provided is that "the land of sacred forests is fertile." While fertility can support biodiversity, it is not the primary reason why sacred forests serve as refugia. The key factor is their undisturbed nature and the respect shown by local communities.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the assertion is true (sacred forests are indeed refugia for rare and endangered species), but the reason is false (the fertility of the land is not the main reason for their status as refugia).

**Final Answer**: The assertion is true, but the reason is false.

---