Before You Begin
Question #46636
The Question
Five closely related species of indigenous warblers coexist in a forest canopy through resource partitioning, successfully avoiding Gause’s competitive exclusion. An aggressive alien bird species, which lacks natural predators in this new habitat and shares an identical fundamental niche with two of the indigenous species, is accidentally introduced. Which of the following statements regarding the subsequent ecological dynamics is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The realized niche of the two competing indigenous species will contract significantly due to intense interspecific competition.
- B.
The fundamental niche of the indigenous species will shrink, forcing them to either migrate or face local extinction.
- C.
The alien species will exhibit rapid population growth and occupy a large realized niche due to the absence of its natural predators.
- D.
This invasion exemplifies one of the 'Evil Quartet' mechanisms, ultimately threatening the local biodiversity through competitive displacement.
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
Lincoln-Peterson Index|Ecological Fitness|Reproductive Effort
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: The strict distinction between 'Fundamental Niche' (a physiological/biological constant) and 'Realized Niche' (an ecological variable dependent on competition).
Students commonly fall for the trap of assuming that competition shrinks a species' fundamental niche, failing to realize that only the actual occupied space (realized niche) is reduced.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Organisms and Populations - Class 12 |
| Concept | Population Density Estimation (Mark-Recapture) |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |