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Question #46629
The Question
Brood parasitism in birds, such as the cuckoo laying eggs in a crow's nest, represents a complex evolutionary arms race. Based on the principles of selection pressure and ecological interactions, which of the following statements regarding this dynamic is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The evolution of the parasitic bird's eggs to resemble the host's eggs in size and color is a direct result of co-evolutionary selection pressure.
- B.
The host's inability to evolve a flawless recognition system is an evolutionary trade-off, balancing the cost of hyper-vigilance against optimal foraging and the risk of rejecting its own eggs.
- C.
This continuous cycle of adaptation and counter-adaptation between the host's recognition ability and the parasite's mimicry perfectly illustrates Gause's Competitive Exclusion Principle.
- D.
If the host bird's efficiency in discriminating and ejecting foreign eggs increases, it will impose a strong directional selection on the parasite to evolve better egg mimicry.
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
Ectotherms|Metabolic_Rate|Age_Pyramids
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: The trap relies on 'Functional Confusion' between different ecological principles.
Students often read 'adaptation and counter-adaptation' and incorrectly accept 'Competitive Exclusion' because both concepts involve an evolutionary struggle.
However, Competitive Exclusion strictly governs resource competition, not parasitic co-evolution.
Additionally, Option B tests the NCERT-Plus concept of 'Evolutionary Stable Strategy' and trade-offs, rewarding students who understand why biological systems rarely achieve 'perfect' immunity or defense.
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 |