Question : Assertion: Forest conservation is essential for maintaining ecological balance and supporting sustainable development.

Reason: Forests provide numerous ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and biodiversity conservation.

Option 1: Both assertion and reason are correct, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Option 2: Both assertion and reason are correct, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

Option 3: Assertion is correct, but the reason is incorrect.

Option 4: Assertion is incorrect, but the reason is correct.

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

Solution : The correct answer is a) Both assertion and reason are correct, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. They support a wide range of plant and animal species, provide habitats, and contribute to biodiversity conservation. Forests also help regulate the climate, control soil erosion, and maintain water cycles. By preserving forests, we can ensure the stability and functioning of ecosystems, which is essential for ecological balance.

Forests provide various ecosystem services that are vital for human well-being and sustainable development. They act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus helping mitigate climate change. Forests also play a crucial role in water regulation, acting as natural watersheds and influencing rainfall patterns, water quality, and the availability of freshwater resources. Additionally, forests support biodiversity by providing habitats and food sources for numerous species, contributing to the maintenance of healthy ecosystems.

Therefore, both the assertion and the reason are correct, and the reason provides the correct explanation for the assertion.