Analyzing Assertion (A) and Reason (R)

• Assertion (A): States that ecological degradation results in environmental pollution. This statement is factually correct. Ecological degradation involves the deterioration of the environment leading to depletion of its quality and resources, which directly causes various forms of pollution (e.g., soil, water, air).
• Reason (R): Identifies activities like deforestation, construction of big dams, and other developmental activities as causes of ecological degradation. This statement is also factually correct. These activities significantly disrupt ecosystems, leading to degradation.

Evaluating the Relationship Between (A) and (R)

While both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true statements, Reason (R) explains the *causes* of ecological degradation, not *how* ecological degradation itself leads to environmental pollution. Reason (R) points to the sources of the problem (degradation), whereas Assertion (A) describes a consequence of that problem (pollution). For (R) to be a correct explanation of (A), it would need to detail the mechanisms by which degradation causes pollution (e.g., how deforestation leads to soil erosion and water pollution).

Therefore, both statements are true, but (R) does not provide the correct explanation for (A).

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, the correct option is that both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).