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Question #46451
The Question
Two closely related sympatric species of birds initially exhibit high niche overlap in their foraging zones. Over successive generations, they develop distinct foraging behaviors to coexist, a phenomenon known as resource partitioning. During this evolutionary transition, what happens to the Hardy-Weinberg (H-W) equilibrium of the alleles governing their foraging traits?
Options
- A.
The alleles remain in H-W equilibrium because resource partitioning ultimately reduces competition, thereby neutralizing natural selection.
- B.
The populations deviate from H-W equilibrium because the initial niche overlap creates intense competition, acting as a directional selective pressure.
- C.
The alleles maintain H-W equilibrium provided the population size is large and mating remains strictly random within each respective species.
- D.
The populations deviate from H-W equilibrium primarily due to genetic drift, as the birds restrict themselves to smaller microhabitats.
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
Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Variables|Niche Overlap vs. Resource Partitioning
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
The 'Conceptual Pivot' is bridging Ecology and Genetics.
Students often compartmentalize these NCERT chapters and fail to recognize that ecological competition (niche overlap) is the literal agent of natural selection.
A common misconception is assuming that if a population is large and mating is random (Option C), H-W equilibrium is maintained, ignoring that the presence of ANY single violating factor (like selection) disrupts the p²+2pq+q²=1 equilibrium.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Evolution - Class 12 |
| Concept | Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Variables |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |