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Question #46623
The Question
An alien floating macrophyte (e.g., Eichhornia crassipes) is introduced into a tropical lake, leading to the rapid local extinction of native submerged plants. Based on the population density equation N_{t+1} = N_t + [(B+I) - (D+E)], which of the following statements regarding this ecological invasion is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
During the initial colonization of the lake by the alien macrophyte, Immigration (I) contributed more significantly to its population growth than Births (B).
- B.
The alien species realizes a maximized intrinsic rate of increase ('r') primarily due to the absence of co-evolved natural predators in the lake.
- C.
The local extinction of the native submerged plants is driven by a simultaneous and drastic increase in both their Death (D) and Emigration (E) rates.
- D.
The alien macrophyte outcompetes native species by exhibiting rapid exponential growth dynamics before environmental resistance becomes a limiting factor.
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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
Predator-Prey Oscillations|Inverted Biomass Pyramids|Trophic Efficiency Limits
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students mechanically associate population decline with 'increased Death and Emigration' without considering the biological constraints of the specific taxon.
The trap relies on the student forgetting that plants cannot emigrate, making 'E' an invalid variable for the decline of the native submerged plant population.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Organisms and Populations - Class 12 |
| Concept | Predator-Prey Oscillations |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |