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Question #45197
The Question
An invasive alien animal species is introduced into a stable habitat where a native species is currently at its carrying capacity (K). The invasive species shares the exact same fundamental niche but lacks natural predators in the new geographical area. According to the logistic growth model and Gause’s Competitive Exclusion Principle, which of the following represents the most accurate mathematical and ecological consequence for the native species?
Options
- A.
Its intrinsic rate of natural increase (r) permanently decreases to a negative value, causing an exponential decline.
- B.
The value of (K-N)/K for the native species becomes negative because the invasive species depletes shared resources, effectively reducing the available K below N, driving dN/dt below zero.
- C.
The native species will expand its fundamental niche to avoid competition, restoring its population growth rate (dN/dt) to zero.
- D.
The environmental resistance for the invasive species becomes infinite, allowing the native species to maintain its J-shaped growth curve.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Niche Overlap|Biotic Interactions|Thermal Tolerance Ranges
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize the logistic equation but fail to understand that K (carrying capacity) is dynamic and resource-dependent.
When an invasive species steals resources, the K for the native species drops.
If K drops below the current population N, the unutilized resource term (K-N)/K becomes negative, mathematically proving population decline.
A common misconception is confusing the fundamental niche (physiological potential) with the realized niche (actual ecological role under competition), and misunderstanding that 'r' is a constant biotic potential, whereas dN/dt is the actual variable growth rate.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Organisms and Populations - Class 12 |
| Concept | Niche Overlap vs. Resource Partitioning |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |