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Question #46568
The Question
During industrial alcoholic fermentation, an alien microbial species invades a bioreactor containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Both species share the identical carbohydrate substrate niche. Eventually, the yeast population is completely eliminated, and ethanol production ceases. Based on NCERT principles of population interactions, which of the following is the most accurate ecological deduction regarding this event?
Options
- A.
The interaction is Competition (-/-) demonstrating Gause’s Competitive Exclusion Principle, which holds true primarily when the carbohydrate resources are limiting.
- B.
The interaction is Competition (-/-) demonstrating Gause’s Competitive Exclusion Principle, which dictates that the inferior species is eliminated even if resources are unlimited.
- C.
The invasion led to Amensalism (-/0), where the alien species outcompetes the yeast by suppressing its intrinsic rate of natural increase (r).
- D.
The species underwent Resource Partitioning to avoid Competition (-/-), leading to the eventual decline of ethanol yield due to shared substrate utilization.
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
Saccharomyces_cerevisiae|Alien Species Invasion Impacts|Biotic Interactions - Positive/Negative sign matrix
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: The 'Limiting Resource' caveat in Gause's Principle.
Students frequently memorize that identical niches lead to competitive exclusion but overlook the strict NCERT condition that this principle primarily applies 'if resources are limiting, but not otherwise'.
Option B serves as the classic 'Half-Truth' trap by stating exclusion occurs even when resources are unlimited.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Microbes in Human Welfare - Class 12 |
| Concept | Alcoholic Beverage Fermentation Source |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |