Directions: For the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) given below, choose the correct alternative. Assertion (A): Weeds should not be allowed to grow along with crops. Reason (R): Weeds leave no space for crop plants to grow.

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to basic agricultural science and biology. It deals with the effect of weeds on crop growth and uses assertion–reason format to test conceptual understanding. Weeds are unwanted plants that grow in fields and compete with crop plants for resources.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Assertion (A): Weeds should not be allowed to grow along with crops.
• Reason (R): Weeds leave no space for crop plants to grow.
• We assume standard school level agriculture and biology knowledge.
• The key is to judge the truth of both statements and see whether R explains A.

Concept / Approach:
In crop fields, weeds compete with crops for space, light, water and nutrients. Farmers therefore remove weeds through weeding and use of weedicides. The reason mentions “no space” which is a simple way of expressing competition for space and crowding. We must check whether this simplified reason is an acceptable explanation for the assertion in the context of an exam question.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Evaluate Assertion (A). It is standard advice in agriculture that weeds should be controlled or removed because they interfere with crop growth and reduce yield. So the assertion that weeds should not be allowed to grow along with crops is clearly true.Step 2: Evaluate Reason (R). Weeds often grow faster than crops and can occupy space in the field that would otherwise be available for crop roots and shoots. They compete for physical space, leading to crowding and poor growth of crops. Thus the statement that weeds leave no space for crop plants to grow captures an important part of the problem.Step 3: Check whether R explains A. The main reason for not allowing weeds to grow is that they compete with crop plants. Competition for space is one of the key aspects, along with competition for light, water and nutrients. Although R mentions only space, it still gives a valid and direct explanation for why weeds are harmful.Step 4: Therefore both A and R are true, and R can be accepted as a correct explanation of A at this level.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can imagine a small patch of soil where crops are sown but weeds are left uncontrolled. Very soon the patch looks crowded with many unwanted plants. Crop plants receive less space for their roots and above ground parts, which affects their development. Research and practical experience both support that weed control improves crop yield by relieving this competition. This confirms that R is indeed consistent with the reasoning behind A.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b suggests that R is not the explanation, which is incorrect because space competition is an important reason for weed removal. Option c or d would require one of the statements to be false, which contradicts widely taught agricultural science about weeds and crops.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may think that because weeds also compete for water and nutrients, a reason that mentions only space is incomplete and must be wrong. However, in assertion–reason questions at school level, a reason does not need to mention every factor, only a correct and relevant one. As long as the stated factor is true and directly supports the assertion, it can count as a valid explanation.

Final Answer:
The correct choice is that both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and R is the correct explanation of A.