Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Every mountain within a zonobiome is an ecological entity with a typical sequence of altitudinal belts. But the pattern differs from one mountain to another.
Reason (R): The orogenic forces influence the zonobiomes, and thus orobiomes are distinguished according to the zonobiomes they belong to.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

1. Assertion (A):
· Correct.
· Each mountain within a zonobiome develops altitudinal belts due to changes in temperature, pressure, and precipitation with elevation. However, local factors like slope, aspect, and latitude create unique patterns that vary from mountain to mountain.
2. Reason (R):
· Correct.
· Orogenic (mountain-building) forces influence the physical structure of mountains, which in turn impacts the development of orobiomes. Orobiomes are distinct ecosystems within mountains, influenced by zonobiomes, but they are primarily shaped by geological processes.
3. Why (R) Does Not Explain (A):
· While orogenic forces impact orobiomes, the variability in altitudinal belts described in (A) is more directly influenced by local climatic and ecological factors (e.g., elevation, aspect) rather than orogenic processes.
· Therefore, (R) does not directly explain the variability described in (A).
Thus, the correct answer is (b) Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Information Booster: 1. Zonobiomes and Orobiomes:
· Zonobiomes: Large ecological zones defined by global climatic patterns (e.g., tropical rainforests, tundras).
· Orobiomes: Subunits within zonobiomes that are specific to mountain ecosystems, influenced by altitude, slope, and orogenic activity.
2. Altitudinal Zonation:
· Typical zones include forests (lower altitudes), grasslands (mid-altitudes), and alpine meadows or tundras (higher altitudes).
· Variability arises from local factors like microclimate and topography.
3. Role of Orogenic Forces:
· While they shape the physical geography of mountains, they do not directly explain ecological variations in altitudinal belts.
Additional Knowledge: Assertion (A):
· Highlights ecological variability within similar zonobiomes, driven by local climatic and geographic differences.
Reason (R):
· Correct in stating that orogenic forces influence mountain ecosystems, but it does not specifically account for the unique altitudinal patterns described in the assertion.