Class NEET 2026 ALL Q #2047
COMPETENCY BASED
APPLY
4 Marks 2026 NTA-RE-NEET-2026 MCQ SINGLE
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R.
Assertion A: Abingdon tortoise in Galapagos islands became extinct within a decade after goats were introduced.
Reason R: Goats were more efficient at browsing than Abingdon tortoise.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
(A) A is not correct but R is correct
(B) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
(C) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A
(D) A is correct but R is not correct
Correct Answer: B

AI Tutor Explanation

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Detailed Solution

Step 1: Analyze Assertion A

The Abingdon tortoise in the Galapagos Islands is a classic example of competitive release and extinction due to invasive species. Historical ecological data confirms that the population of these tortoises declined rapidly and became extinct shortly after the introduction of goats to the island.

Step 2: Analyze Reason R

The extinction was driven by interspecific competition for resources. Goats are highly efficient browsers compared to the tortoises. Because the goats were more efficient at consuming the available vegetation, they outcompeted the tortoises for food, leading to the tortoise's extinction. Thus, the reason provided is scientifically accurate and explains the mechanism behind the assertion.

Step 3: Conclusion

Since the assertion is a factual observation of ecological history and the reason correctly identifies the biological mechanism (competitive exclusion) that caused it, both statements are correct and the reason is the correct explanation for the assertion.

Final Answer: Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A

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Pedagogical Audit
Bloom's Analysis: This is an APPLY question because it requires the student to connect a specific ecological case study to the broader biological principle of interspecific competition.
Knowledge Dimension: CONCEPTUAL
Justification: The question tests the understanding of the 'Competitive Exclusion Principle' within the context of population ecology.
Syllabus Audit: In the context of NEET, this is classified as COMPETENCY. This question aligns with the NCERT Biology curriculum (Organisms and Populations chapter), focusing on the application of ecological theories to real-world extinction events.