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Question #46604
The Question
During primary succession on a newly cooled lava flow, an extreme and persistent geothermal shift raises the surface temperature permanently beyond the thermal tolerance range of the pioneer species. Which of the following represents the most accurate ecological consequence of this event?
Options
- A.
Physical weathering induced by the extreme heat will replace biological weathering, allowing the direct establishment of bryophytes.
- B.
The ecosystem will transition to a secondary succession pathway since the extreme thermal shift acts as a natural disturbance.
- C.
The process of facilitation is halted, preventing pedogenesis and arresting the progression of seral stages toward a climax community.
- D.
The pioneer species will undergo rapid adaptive radiation to become eurythermal, ensuring the succession clock continues uninterrupted.
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
Ecological Fitness (Darwinian Fitness)|Primary Succession Facilitation|Thermal Tolerance Ranges
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often misunderstand 'Facilitation' as merely the physical breakdown of rock, ignoring the critical addition of organic matter (humus) by pioneer species.
A common misconception is that physical weathering alone can drive succession, or that any disturbance automatically triggers secondary succession, forgetting that secondary succession strictly requires a pre-existing soil base.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Organisms and Populations - Class 12 |
| Concept | Ecological Fitness (Darwinian Fitness) |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |