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Question #46036
The Question
Consider a biodiversity hotspot on an isolated island that has been declared a strict Biosphere Reserve (in-situ conservation) to protect its highly endemic fauna. Despite completely halting habitat loss and overexploitation, the endemic species face rapid extinction after the accidental introduction of an alien mammalian predator. Which of the following statements best explains why traditional in-situ conservation is insufficient in this scenario?
Options
- A.
In-situ conservation primarily preserves the physical habitat, but endemic species lack co-evolved defense mechanisms against novel predators due to prolonged geographic isolation.
- B.
The alien predator undergoes rapid adaptive radiation within the Biosphere Reserve, immediately occupying all available trophic levels and displacing native fauna.
- C.
In-situ conservation strategies inherently decrease the carrying capacity of the island ecosystem, intensifying interspecific competition between native and alien species.
- D.
Endemic species in hotspots always possess a lower intrinsic rate of natural increase (r) compared to alien species, leading to inevitable competitive exclusion.
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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
Rivet Popper Hypothesis|Diversity-Stability Relationship|Keystone Species
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often mistakenly assume that 'in-situ' conservation (like declaring a National Park) provides absolute protection against all drivers of extinction.
This question forces the realization that while in-situ methods halt human-driven habitat loss, they are ecologically blind to the biological threat of alien species.
It highlights the evolutionary vulnerability of endemic species (lack of co-evolution) as the core reason why passive habitat protection fails against invasive predators.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biodiversity and Conservation - Class 12 |
| Concept | Global Species Diversity Patterns |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |