1. Assertion (A): In Australia, cattle rearing is done more for meat than for milk.
2. Reason (R): Australians are traditionally non-vegetarians.
A
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B
Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
C
A is true, but R is false
D
A is false, but R is true
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation
1. Assertion (A) is true. Australia has vast grazing lands suitable for extensive livestock farming, and its cattle rearing industry is predominantly focused on beef (meat) production for both domestic consumption and large-scale exports, rather than primarily for milk.
2. Reason (R) is generally true. Meat consumption is a significant part of the traditional diet for most Australians, making them traditionally non-vegetarians.
3. However, the dietary preference of the population (R) is not the primary economic or geographical explanation for the structure of the cattle industry (A). Factors like climate, land availability favoring grazing breeds, export market opportunities for beef, and historical development are more direct reasons for the emphasis on meat production. Therefore, R is not the correct explanation of A.