Option 1 states that both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion. In this case, Assertion (A) states that generally intraspecific competition is more intense than interspecific competition. Reason (R) states that intraspecific competition occurs when resources are in short supply.

To analyze the options, we need to understand the definitions of intraspecific and interspecific competition. Intraspecific competition refers to the competition between individuals of the same species for resources such as food, water, mates, etc. Interspecific competition, on the other hand, involves competition between individuals of different species for the same resources.

Option 1 is incorrect because it claims that intraspecific competition occurs when resources are in short supply, which is incorrect. Intraspecific competition can occur even when resources are abundant because individuals of the same species are competing for the same resources. Therefore, option 1 is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

Option 2 is the correct answer because both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason does not provide a correct explanation for the assertion. The intensity of intraspecific competition does not depend on the scarcity of resources but rather on factors like population density and competition for limited resources within the same