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Question #46608
The Question
In the context of population interactions, NCERT describes predation as a (+/-) interaction and notes that predators in nature are 'prudent'. If a newly introduced exotic apex predator is highly efficient and overexploits its prey population well below the threshold of reproductive viability, which of the following ecological consequences logically follows?
Options
- A.
The predator's functional response shifts the interaction to amensalism (-/0) as the prey density approaches zero.
- B.
The interaction outcome effectively transitions to (-/-) over time, as the prey faces extinction and the predator subsequently starves due to the collapse of its food supply.
- C.
The prey population will immediately increase its intrinsic rate of natural increase (r) to re-establish the (+/-) Lotka-Volterra oscillation.
- D.
The predator population will stabilize at its carrying capacity (K) by permanently switching to a producer trophic level.
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
Competitive Exclusion Principle|Gause's Law|Resource Partitioning
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize the (+/-) matrix as a static, immutable rule for predation.
The trap is failing to realize that these interaction signs are density-dependent.
The question tests the deep application of the NCERT phrase 'predators in nature are prudent' by showing that extreme overexploitation causes the predator's (+) sign to invert to a (-) as the trophic cascade leads to mutual extinction.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Organisms and Populations - Class 12 |
| Concept | Biotic Interactions - Positive/Negative sign matrix |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |