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Question #45534
The Question
Both angiosperms and humans have evolved mechanisms to regulate reproductive events. While angiosperms utilize outbreeding devices like dichogamy, humans exhibit lactational amenorrhea post-partum. Which of the following statements correctly contrasts the physiological basis and evolutionary significance of these two phenomena?
Options
- A.
Dichogamy relies on temporal asynchrony to prevent inbreeding depression, whereas lactational amenorrhea relies on prolactin-mediated suppression of GnRH to ensure optimal resource partitioning for the newborn.
- B.
Both mechanisms are genetically determined absolute barriers that permanently alter the reproductive lifespan of the organism.
- C.
While herkogamy uses physical barriers to prevent autogamy, lactational amenorrhea utilizes high levels of oxytocin to inhibit the LH surge and prevent ovulation.
- D.
Outbreeding devices in plants ensure the energetic survival of the current seed, whereas lactational amenorrhea promotes genetic diversity in future human generations.
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
Outbreeding Device Logic|Lactational Amenorrhea Logic|K-selected_species
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Distinguishing between the specific hormones of lactation (Prolactin vs.
Oxytocin) and mapping their systemic effects (HPG axis inhibition), while simultaneously understanding the evolutionary 'why' behind reproductive barriers across taxa.
A common misconception is confusing the roles of Oxytocin (milk ejection) and Prolactin (milk synthesis and GnRH inhibition), which is a classic functional overlap trap.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Reproductive Health - Class 12 |
| Concept | Lactational Amenorrhea Logic |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |