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Question #46606
The Question
In a pelagic marine ecosystem, the pyramid of biomass is typically inverted, whereas the pyramid of energy is always upright. If a specific chemical pollutant inhibits the rapid cell division of phytoplankton without immediately reducing their current standing crop, which of the following represents the most thermodynamically accurate ecological consequence?
Options
- A.
The pyramid of energy will temporarily become inverted to sustain the high metabolic demands of the existing zooplankton biomass.
- B.
Secondary productivity will drastically decline because the ecosystem's energy flow relies on the high turnover rate of producers, not their standing crop.
- C.
The ecological efficiency of energy transfer will increase beyond 10% to compensate for the reduced primary productivity.
- D.
The biomass pyramid will immediately become upright as phytoplankton accumulate biomass due to ceased cell division.
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)|Inverted Biomass Pyramids|Trophic Efficiency Limits
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: The distinction between 'Standing Crop' (mass at a specific time) and 'Productivity' (rate of energy capture).
Students often fail to reconcile how an inverted biomass pyramid obeys the 10% energy law.
The trap lies in assuming that standing crop dictates energy flow, whereas in aquatic systems, the rapid turnover rate (productivity) is the actual driver of energy transfer.
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 |