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Question #46634
The Question
While estimating the population density of a stenothermal ectotherm using the mark-recapture method, a sudden environmental temperature shift forces the organisms to aggregate tightly in limited thermal refugia just before the second sampling. Which of the following fundamental assumptions of this population estimation technique is directly violated, and what is the ecological basis for this error?
Options
- A.
The closed population assumption; because extreme temperatures inevitably induce mass emigration from the habitat.
- B.
The equal catchability assumption; because the behavioral shift to a clumped distribution prevents the random mixing of marked and unmarked individuals.
- C.
The constant mortality assumption; because stenothermal organisms lack behavioral adaptations and suffer immediate mass mortality.
- D.
The mark retention assumption; because temperature-induced increases in basal metabolic rate trigger rapid ecdysis (molting).
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Virulence|Transgenic Animal|Somatic Cell Correction
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize population density concepts but fail to integrate them with physiological ecology.
The trap lies in connecting an NCERT physiological concept (ectothermic behavioral thermoregulation/seeking shade) to an ecological methodology constraint (random mixing/equal catchability).
Distractor D is a 'Common Half-Truth' as reptiles do molt, but it misses the immediate spatial consequence of the thermal refugia described in the prompt.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Organisms and Populations - Class 12 |
| Concept | Evolutionary Ecology of Parasitism |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |