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Question #45192
The Question
When an aggressive alien species like Clarias gariepinus is introduced into a river ecosystem, it exhibits high niche overlap with indigenous catfishes. According to Gause's Competitive Exclusion Principle and niche theory, which of the following accurately describes the impact on the indigenous species' niche dynamics?
Options
- A.
The indigenous species is forced to occupy its fundamental niche due to the absence of natural predators for the alien species.
- B.
The realized niche of the indigenous species progressively shrinks, potentially leading to competitive exclusion.
- C.
The indigenous species undergoes immediate competitive release, expanding its resource partitioning strategy.
- D.
The fundamental niche of the indigenous species shrinks to zero, resulting in its local extinction.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin|Thermal Tolerance Ranges|Diapause vs Hibernation vs Aestivation
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: The distinction between Fundamental Niche (theoretical potential) and Realized Niche (actual ecological reality).
Common Misconception: Students often assume that severe competition alters or shrinks the 'fundamental niche', or they confuse the directionality of 'competitive release' (which only happens when a superior competitor is experimentally or naturally removed, as seen in Connell's elegant field experiments).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biotechnology and Its Applications - Class 12 |
| Concept | Alpha-1 Antitrypsin |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |