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Question #46099
The Question
The introduction of the Nile perch into Lake Victoria led to the extinction of over 200 species of endemic cichlid fish. If an ecologist were to assess a similarly invaded ecosystem for 'Biodiversity Hotspot' status, they might find that standard alpha diversity indices (overall species richness) remain deceptively high. Which of the following best explains why this 'false inflation' of diversity metrics undermines the criteria for hotspot prioritization?
Options
- A.
The invasive species increases the overall secondary productivity, falsely elevating the ecosystem's energy flow metrics required for hotspot designation.
- B.
The raw richness metric includes the newly established alien taxa, masking the severe decline in the region's endemism, which is a mandatory criterion for hotspots.
- C.
Alien species invasion primarily accelerates habitat loss and fragmentation, which directly decreases species evenness rather than species richness.
- D.
The introduction of alien species automatically shifts the conservation mandate from in-situ biosphere reserves to ex-situ zoological parks.
Check Your Answer
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
Ecosystem_Resilience|Trophic_Cascade|Diversity-Stability Relationship
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often equate 'High Species Richness' directly with 'High Conservation Value'.
They fail to recognize that raw diversity indices do not differentiate between native/endemic species and invasive alien species.
The trap lies in forgetting that 'Endemism' is an equally critical, non-negotiable criterion for Hotspot designation alongside species richness.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biodiversity and Conservation - Class 12 |
| Concept | World Summit on Sustainable Development |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |