Assertion: Successional process starts only in those areas where no living organisms ever existed.
Reason: These areas are not supported by physical environmental conditions.

Options

A. If both Assertion and Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion, then mark (1).
B. If both Assertion and Reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion, then mark (2)
C. If Assertion is true but Reason is false, then mark (3).
D. If both Assertion and Reason are false, then mark (4)

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Assertion**: The assertion states that the successional process starts only in areas where no living organisms ever existed. This implies that ecological succession can only occur in completely barren lands.

2. **Understanding the Reason**: The reason given is that these areas are not supported by physical environmental conditions. This suggests that the absence of living organisms is due to unfavorable physical conditions.

3. **Defining Ecological Succession**: Ecological succession is the process through which ecosystems change and develop over time. It can be classified into two types: primary succession and secondary succession.

4. **Primary Succession**: This type of succession occurs in lifeless areas where there has never been any soil or living organisms, such as after a volcanic eruption or on bare rock. Here, the assertion holds true as primary succession starts in such barren areas.

5. **Secondary Succession**: This type occurs in areas where an ecosystem has been disturbed but where soil and some organisms still exist, such as after a forest fire or human activities. In this case, the assertion is incorrect because succession can start in areas that previously supported life.

6. **Evaluating the Assertion and Reason**: Since the assertion is not entirely accurate (as secondary succession can occur in areas with previous life), and the reason provided does not justify the assertion (as there can be physical conditions supporting life in secondary succession), we conclude that both the assertion and reason are false.

**Final Conclusion**: Both the assertion and reason are false.

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