Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R. Assertion A: Breast-feeding during initial period of infant growth is recommended by doctors for bringing a healthy baby. Reason R: Colostrum Contains several antibodies absolutely essential to develop resistance for the new-born baby. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Answer: (D) Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.. Answer: (D) Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- A.Both A and R are correct, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
- B.A is correct but R is not correct.
- C.A is not correct but R is correct.
- D.Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.✓
Correct Answer
(D) Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Solution & Explanation
Answer: (D) Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A. Solution: Mother's milk, especially the yellowish colostrum secreted during the initial days of lactation, has abundant antibodies (IgA) that protect the newborn. This is an example of passive immunity, giving the infant ready-made protection before its own immune system matures. So breast-feeding is recommended precisely because colostrum supplies these essential antibodies — R correctly explains A. Why not the others: A is true (doctors recommend early breast-feeding) and R is true (colostrum is antibody-rich), and the antibody content is the actual reason for the recommendation, so the partial/negative options are ruled out. NCERT Reference: NCERT Ch7, p.136, lines 18-24: "The yellowish fluid colostrum secreted by mother during"