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Question #46080
The Question
Sacred groves in the Western Ghats are strictly protected in-situ conservation areas that serve as refugia for rare, endemic plants. However, ecologists have observed a sharp decline in endemic biodiversity in several small sacred groves, despite absolute zero human exploitation or logging. Which of the following ecological principles best explains this paradox?
Options
- A.
The small spatial area amplifies the edge effect, allowing alien invasive generalists to infiltrate and competitively exclude endemic specialists.
- B.
The absence of human intervention prevents secondary succession, causing the climax community to naturally degrade into pioneer species.
- C.
Isolation of the grove forces endemic species into resource partitioning with native weeds, permanently reducing their fundamental niche.
- D.
Strict in-situ protection leads to an overpopulation of keystone species, which triggers the co-extinction of endemic flora due to amensalism.
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
Ecological_Succession_Climax|Biosphere_Reserves_Architecture|Diversity-Stability_Relationship
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often equate 'strict human protection' with 'absolute ecological safety'.
This question tests the ability to synthesize multiple NCERT concepts: recognizing that while sacred groves prevent direct human exploitation, their small size (habitat fragmentation) makes them highly susceptible to biological intrusions (alien species invasion), ultimately leading to Gause's Competitive Exclusion.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biodiversity and Conservation - Class 12 |
| Concept | Biosphere Reserves Architecture |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |