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Question #45333
The Question
In a highly fragmented tropical forest, a population of Piper nigrum (Black pepper) exhibits a drastic decline in viable seed production despite successful double fertilization. Ecological analysis attributes this to the 'Evil Quartet' causing severe resource limitation. Which of the following best explains the embryological basis of this seed abortion?
Options
- A.
The bioenergetic deficit in the maternal sporophyte prevents the nutrient loading of the persistent diploid nucellus.
- B.
Resource limitation inhibits the primary endosperm nucleus (PEN) from developing into the triploid perisperm.
- C.
Habitat fragmentation prevents syngamy, leading to the rapid degeneration of the haploid nucellus.
- D.
The stress-induced decline in pollinators prevents the formation of the diploid endosperm.
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
Perisperm|Species-Area_Relationship|Black_Pepper
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often default to 'Endosperm (3n)' whenever seed nutrition is mentioned, forgetting that in specific NCERT examples like Black pepper and Beet, the Perisperm (persistent nucellus, 2n) is a critical maternal nutritive tissue.
The trap relies on confusing the developmental origin and ploidy of the perisperm with that of the endosperm, while simultaneously testing the application of ecological stress (Evil Quartet) on maternal investment.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants - Class 12 |
| Concept | Perisperm vs Pericarp |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |