Which statement accurately reflects the relationship between AI and machine learning?

The statement that machine learning is a subset of AI accurately captures the relationship between these two fields. In the broad scope of artificial intelligence, which encompasses various technologies and methodologies aimed at enabling machines to exhibit human-like intelligence, machine learning specifically refers to systems that learn from data, identify patterns, and make decisions based on that information without being explicitly programmed for every specific task.

This relationship shows that all machine learning techniques are inherently part of the broader AI domain, but not all AI systems necessarily involve machine learning. For instance, traditional rule-based systems or expert systems demonstrate AI without utilizing machine learning methods. Therefore, recognizing machine learning as a subset underscores the hierarchical nature of these technologies, where machine learning provides practical algorithms and models that contribute to the larger goal of building intelligent machines.

The other options fail to accurately capture this fundamental relationship, either by mischaracterizing the nature of specialization or suggesting independence between the two domains.