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Question #46472
The Question
In a stable climax community, an insect species has evolved an obligate mutualistic relationship with a specific angiosperm, gradually losing its generalist foraging appendages over evolutionary time. If a novel pathogen rapidly eradicates the angiosperm population, the insect species faces imminent extinction. Which of the following best explains the ecological and evolutionary mechanics of this vulnerability?
Options
- A.
A. The insect experiences an evolutionary bottleneck driven by habitat loss, leading to immediate genetic drift.
- B.
B. The insect faces co-extinction because extreme niche specialization in the climax stage resulted in the loss of phenotypic plasticity.
- C.
C. The insect will undergo rapid adaptive radiation to exploit alternative mesic flora within the climax community.
- D.
D. The insect's population will collapse primarily due to competitive exclusion by generalist alien species.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Vestigial Organs Interpretation|Ecological Succession Climax|Co-extinction Logic
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often assume climax communities are universally 'resilient'.
However, the extreme specialization that creates stability under constant conditions becomes an 'Evolutionary Trap' during sudden perturbations.
This question tests the synthesis of Ecosystem dynamics (Climax stability) with Biodiversity conservation (Co-extinction) and Evolutionary biology (loss of plasticity).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Evolution - Class 12 |
| Concept | Vestigial Organs Interpretation |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |