Before You Begin
Question #46022
The Question
In a climax forest ecosystem, an environmental stressor selectively eradicates a few keystone species. Applying Paul Ehrlich's Rivet Popper hypothesis, which of the following best describes the subsequent ecological impact?
Options
- A.
The physical structure of the climax community degrades simultaneously with the loss of ecosystem services.
- B.
Ecosystem functionality and trophic stability collapse significantly before the physical structural biomass is lost.
- C.
The loss is completely buffered by the functional redundancy of the remaining species, maintaining ecosystem stability.
- D.
The ecosystem immediately reverts to a pioneer seral stage due to the sudden loss of structural biomass.
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
Climax_Community|Ecosystem_Stability|Functional_Redundancy
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Distinguishing between 'Structural Biomass' and 'Functional Persistence'.
Common Misconception: Students often assume that as long as the dominant physical structure (e.g., large trees in a climax forest) is visible, the ecosystem is stable.
They fail to realize that the loss of keystone species (key rivets) causes a functional collapse (trophic/nutrient cycles) long before the physical structure physically rots or disappears.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Ecosystem - Class 12 |
| Concept | Ecological Succession Climax |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |