| Assertion (A): | Heterotrophic bacteria are essential for recycling nutrients in the ecosystem. |
| Reason (R): | They decompose organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the soil and water. |
| 1. | (A) is False but (R) is True |
| 2. | Both (A) and (R) are True but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (R) |
| 3. | (A) is True but (R) is False |
| 4. | Both (A) and (R) are True and (R) is the correct explanation of (A) |