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Question #46627
The Question
In the context of the 'Evil Quartet' of biodiversity loss, which evolutionary trait of a parasite acts as a double-edged sword, directly driving its population towards co-extinction when its primary host faces population collapse?
Options
- A.
The evolutionary loss of a complex digestive system and unnecessary sense organs.
- B.
The development of a complex life cycle involving multiple intermediate vectors.
- C.
A high degree of host specificity resulting from a co-evolutionary arms race.
- D.
An exceptionally high reproductive potential to overcome transmission barriers.
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
Carrying_Capacity_K|Interspecific_Competition|Niche_Differentiation
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Synthesizing two separate NCERT chapters.
Students often memorize parasitic adaptations (loss of sense organs, suckers, high fecundity) without understanding their ecological consequences.
The trap is assuming metabolic dependence (Option A) is the primary cause of co-extinction, whereas the true driver is the evolutionary inability to switch hosts (narrow niche breadth due to host specificity).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Organisms and Populations - Class 12 |
| Concept | Birth/Death Rate vs Immigration/Emigration |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |