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Question #45517
The Question
A mammalian population is exposed to an environmental endocrine disruptor that acts as a continuous, potent agonist for both Inhibin and Estrogen receptors. Based on the principles of human reproduction and population ecology, which of the following accurately describes the sequential impact on ovarian dynamics and the population's growth model?
Options
- A.
Negative feedback on the anterior pituitary suppresses FSH, arresting follicular development before the Graafian stage, thereby reducing the intrinsic rate of natural increase (r) and lowering Darwinian fitness.
- B.
Positive feedback on the hypothalamus triggers a continuous LH surge, causing premature ovulation of secondary follicles and shifting the population towards an r-selected growth strategy.
- C.
Suppression of gonadotropins accelerates the atresia of primordial follicles, which directly decreases the carrying capacity (K) of the environment in a logistic growth model.
- D.
Hyperstimulation of the corpus luteum leads to excess progesterone secretion, preventing the menstrual phase and increasing the population's Darwinian fitness.
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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
Ovarian Follicle Stages|Ecological Fitness (Darwinian Fitness)|Population Growth Model Dynamics
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating human endocrine feedback loops with population ecology parameters.
Students often confuse the intrinsic rate of natural increase (r), which is biologically driven by fecundity, with carrying capacity (K), which is environmentally driven.
Furthermore, they must recognize that continuous high levels of estrogen/inhibin result in negative feedback (suppressing FSH/LH), unlike the transient positive feedback of estrogen that causes the LH surge.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Human Reproduction - Class 12 |
| Concept | Ovarian Follicle Stages |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |