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Question #46060
The Question
A large contiguous biosphere reserve is subjected to severe anthropogenic habitat fragmentation, resulting in numerous small, isolated patches. Regarding the ecological consequences of this fragmentation, which of the following statements is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The perimeter-to-area ratio of the habitat increases, creating an 'ecological trap' that exposes interior species to altered microclimates.
- B.
Mammals and birds requiring large territories and those with migratory habits face severe population declines due to the loss of core habitat.
- C.
The newly created extensive edges act as ecotones that enhance the overall stability of the ecosystem by supporting a higher diversity of native climax species.
- D.
The fragmented architecture increases the vulnerability of the patches to invasive colonizers, synergistically acting with another driver of the 'Evil Quartet'.
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
Alien Species Invasion Impacts|Diversity-Stability Relationship|Rivet Popper Hypothesis
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize the general ecological rule that 'Ecotones/Edges have high biodiversity (Edge Effect)' and mistakenly assume that creating more edges via fragmentation is beneficial.
They fail to distinguish between a natural, stable ecotone and a fragmentation-induced edge that destroys the 'core' habitat required by specialized, native species, turning the area into a population sink.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biodiversity and Conservation - Class 12 |
| Concept | Evil Quartet Drivers |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |