Given below are two statements: one is labeled Assertion (A) and other is labeled Reason (R).

Assertion (A): Development is indirect in sponges.

Reason (R): Development of sponges includes larval stages which are morphologically distinct from adults.

In the light of above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation: The assertion (A) is true. Development in sponges is considered indirect because it involves distinct larval stages that undergo metamorphosis to become morphologically similar to adults.

The reason (R) is the correct explanation of A. The common larval stages found in sponges are Amphiblastula (found in Scypha) and parenchymula (found in Leucosolenia). These larval stages undergo transformation, or metamorphosis, into the adult form.