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Question #46092
The Question
Botanists have successfully cryopreserved the seeds of a critically endangered angiosperm in a national gene bank. However, its obligate pollinator has recently been declared globally extinct. Regarding the ecological and evolutionary status of this conserved plant, all of the following statements are true EXCEPT:
Options
- A.
The plant is highly susceptible to co-extinction in its natural habitat due to the loss of its obligate mutualist.
- B.
The ex-situ conserved seeds represent a 'living dead' population that is ecologically and evolutionarily stagnant.
- C.
The wild population of the plant will undergo rapid microevolution to develop anemophily (wind pollination) to ensure survival.
- D.
The conservation strategy is functionally incomplete because it failed to preserve the plant's essential biotic associate.
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
Biosphere_Reserves_Architecture|Ecotone_and_Edge_Effect|Ex-situ_Conservation
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often overestimate the power of Ex-situ conservation (Gene Banks) and misunderstand the rigid nature of Obligate Mutualism.
The trap relies on Lamarckian misconceptions—students might assume that organisms can consciously or rapidly adapt to sudden ecological voids, such as switching from insect to wind pollination instantly to avoid extinction.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biodiversity and Conservation - Class 12 |
| Concept | Ex-situ Conservation Techniques |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |