Question : Assertion: Forest conservation plays a crucial role in sustainable development as forests provide numerous ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration and biodiversity preservation.

Reason: Deforestation leads to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and contributes to climate change.

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 are valuable ecosystems that provide a wide range of ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, water regulation, soil protection, and biodiversity preservation. Forests are essential for maintaining ecological balance, supporting livelihoods, and promoting sustainable economic activities such as eco-tourism and sustainable timber production.

The reason correctly explains the negative consequences of deforestation. Deforestation involves the permanent removal of forest cover, leading to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When forests are cleared, the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

Additionally, deforestation disrupts habitats, leading to the loss of plant and animal species and reducing overall biodiversity.

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