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Question #46075
The Question
The invasive weed Lantana camara breaches the buffer zone of a Biosphere Reserve and aggressively colonizes the core area, causing the decline of several endemic plant species. Integrating the architecture of Biosphere Reserves with Paul Ehrlich’s 'Rivet Popper Hypothesis', which of the following statements regarding this ecological crisis is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The breach indicates a functional failure of the buffer zone, which is designed to insulate the core area while allowing limited activities like research and education.
- B.
The displacement of endemic flora by Lantana exemplifies 'Alien species invasion', a key component of the 'Evil Quartet' driving biodiversity loss.
- C.
According to the Rivet Popper hypothesis, the loss of any endemic species will immediately cause ecosystem collapse, as every species acts as a critical 'rivet on the airplane wing'.
- D.
Since the core zone mandates strict legal protection with no human activity, local communities from the transition zone cannot be permitted to enter and manually eradicate the weed.
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
In-situ Conservation (Hotspots)|Standing Crop quantification|Inverted Biomass Pyramids
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often misinterpret the Rivet Popper Hypothesis as stating that every single species extinction leads to immediate ecosystem collapse.
The trap relies on failing to distinguish between keystone species (wing rivets) and less critical species (seat rivets) as described in NCERT.
It also tests the strict functional boundaries of Biosphere Reserve zonation.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biodiversity and Conservation - Class 12 |
| Concept | In-situ Conservation (Hotspots) |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |