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Question #46652
The Question
According to Paul Ehrlich’s Rivet Popper Hypothesis, if a dominant canopy tree species in a highly stratified tropical rainforest goes extinct, which of the following consequences accurately reflects the resulting ecological cascade?
Options
- A.
The loss represents a 'seat rivet' removal, leading to a gradual, linear decrease in ecosystem stability without affecting niche-specific epiphytes.
- B.
The loss represents a 'wing rivet' removal, destroying vertical structural integrity and triggering the exponential co-extinction of obligatory specialists.
- C.
The ecosystem will maintain its functional valuation because high species richness ensures immediate competitive replacement by ground-level herbs.
- D.
The extinction will primarily cause the co-evolution of new canopy species, maintaining the ecosystem's resilience through increased species evenness.
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
Ecotone and Edge Effect|Biosphere Reserves Architecture|Sacred Groves as Refugia
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often understand the Rivet Popper Hypothesis superficially but fail to synthesize it with 'Co-extinction' and 'Stratification'.
The trap lies in assuming high biodiversity always buffers against any extinction (Option C) or failing to distinguish between the catastrophic loss of a key species ('wing rivet') versus a redundant species ('seat rivet').
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Organisms and Populations - Class 12 |
| Concept | Ecotone and Edge Effect |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |