Assertion : Mechanical tissues are absent or less developed in the floating and submerged parts of hydrophytic plants.
Reason : Generally, elongated and loosely arranged spongy cells are found in the body of submerged Hydrophytic plants

Options

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

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the assertion and reason related to mechanical tissues in hydrophytic plants, we can break it down into the following steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Assertion**:
- The assertion states that mechanical tissues are absent or less developed in the floating and submerged parts of hydrophytic plants.
- Mechanical tissues, such as sclerenchyma and collenchyma, provide structural support to plants, especially in terrestrial environments where gravity is a factor.

**Hint**: Consider the role of mechanical tissues in supporting plant structures and how this may differ in aquatic environments.

2. **Analyzing the Reason**:
- The reason provided states that elongated and loosely arranged spongy cells are found in the body of submerged hydrophytic plants.
- Spongy cells, which are typically parenchyma, are adapted for buoyancy and gas exchange rather than structural support.

**Hint**: Think about why spongy cells are advantageous for plants that grow in water and how they differ from mechanical tissues.

3. **Evaluating the Relationship**:
- Both the assertion and the reason are correct. The assertion accurately describes the condition of mechanical tissues in hydrophytic plants, while the reason explains why this is the case.
- The presence of spongy cells allows hydrophytic plants to float and thrive in aquatic environments, which reduces the need for robust mechanical support.

**Hint**: Reflect on how the adaptations of plants to their environments can influence their tissue structure and function.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Since both the assertion and the reason are correct, and the reason provides a valid explanation for the assertion, we can conclude that the correct answer is that both statements are true, and the reason explains the assertion.

**Hint**: Consider if the reason logically supports the assertion and whether both statements are factual.

### Final Answer:
Both the assertion and the reason are correct, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.