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Question #135701
The Question
While global frameworks like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) often prioritize large-scale biodiversity hotspots to maximize species conservation, India's Sacred Groves serve as vital 'micro-refugia' for many rare and threatened plants. If conservation efforts exclusively focus on large hotspots and neglect these highly fragmented Sacred Groves, which of the following represents the most severe, hidden threat to the relict species within them?
Options
- A.
They will undergo rapid adaptive radiation due to the 'island effect' in fragmented habitats.
- B.
They will suffer from cryptic genetic erosion and inbreeding depression due to restricted gene flow.
- C.
They will be reclassified under ex-situ conservation, requiring immediate relocation to botanical gardens.
- D.
Their species richness will increase due to the edge effect associated with habitat fragmentation.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
In-situ Conservation (Hotspots)|Sacred Groves as Refugia|Ex-situ Conservation Techniques
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often equate 'stable population numbers' in a protected area with 'long-term survival', failing to integrate principles of population genetics (genetic drift/inbreeding in small, isolated fragments).
The trap lies in assuming that because Sacred Groves are protected in-situ areas, they are immune to the genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biodiversity and Conservation - Class 12 |
| Concept | In-situ Conservation (Hotspots) |
| Difficulty | 5 |
| Cognitive Load | 4 |
| Target Solve Time | 100 sec |
| Access | Free |