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Question #46086
The Question
A botanical garden is established as an ex-situ conservation facility to protect critically endangered native aquatic plants. If Eichhornia crassipes accidentally breaches this facility's water bodies, it rapidly outcompetes the native flora. Correlating this scenario with Paul Ehrlich’s Rivet Popper Hypothesis and the 'Evil Quartet', which of the following statements is scientifically accurate?
Options
- A.
The invasion represents 'co-extinction', where the loss of native plants directly causes the extinction of Eichhornia due to disrupted obligate mutualism.
- B.
The competitive exclusion of the endangered native plants by the alien species mimics the removal of 'rivets from the wings', precipitating the collapse of the facility's conservation objective.
- C.
Since the facility is an ex-situ micro-ecosystem, the introduction of Eichhornia increases the alpha diversity, thereby adding 'rivets' and enhancing ecosystem stability.
- D.
The native plants will survive by altering their niche, as the Rivet Popper hypothesis states that ecosystems are immune to the loss of a few 'minor rivets' like aquatic macrophytes.
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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
Sacred Groves as Refugia|Humification vs Mineralization|Decomposition Rate Modifiers
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
The 'Conceptual Pivot' lies in applying macro-ecological theories (Rivet Popper Hypothesis) to micro-ecological, human-managed systems (ex-situ conservation).
A common misconception is that adding any new species temporarily increases biodiversity (alpha diversity) and thus stability.
Students must recognize the destructive, 'rivet-popping' nature of invasive alien species like Eichhornia, which actively dismantle the specific ecological services of the refugium rather than integrating into it.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biodiversity and Conservation - Class 12 |
| Concept | Sacred Groves as Refugia |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |