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Question #46212
The Question
During primary succession on a bare rock (xerarch), pioneer species secrete organic acids to weather the rock, initiating pedogenesis. Suppose the resulting primitive soil contains a chemical anomaly that specifically inhibits the differentiation of epidermal cells in the 'region of maturation' of the roots of invading herbaceous plants. Which of the following represents the most direct ecological consequence of this physiological stress?
Options
- A.
The succession will shift towards a hydrarch pathway because the unabsorbed water will accumulate on the rock surface.
- B.
Seral progression will be arrested at the pioneer or bryophyte stage, preventing convergence towards a mesic climax community.
- C.
The herbaceous plants will compensate by increasing cell division in the region of meristematic activity, accelerating the climax.
- D.
Secondary succession will immediately initiate, allowing deep-rooted shrubs to bypass the herbaceous seral stage.
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
Pioneer Species|Xerophytic Adaptations|Primary Succession
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating Plant Anatomy (Root Regions) with Ecology (Succession).
Students often memorize the sequence of seral stages (Lichens -> Bryophytes -> Herbs -> Shrubs -> Trees) but fail to recognize that the transition strictly depends on the physiological viability of the invading species' root systems in marginal, newly-formed soil.
The trap lies in assuming plants can bypass stages or that meristematic growth can replace cellular differentiation.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Morphology of Flowering Plants - Class 11 |
| Concept | Root Region Differentiation |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |