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Question #46672
The Question
During primary succession on a newly formed bare igneous rock, an aggressive alien algal species invades and completely competitively excludes the native lichen populations. Which of the following represents the most probable ecological consequence of this invasion?
Options
- A.
The successional trajectory will immediately shift from primary to secondary succession due to the rapid accumulation of alien biomass.
- B.
The facilitation cascade will be disrupted as the secretion of specific organic acids for pedogenesis is halted, arresting community assembly.
- C.
The alien algae will act as a superior pioneer, accelerating the xerarch succession towards a mesic climax community.
- D.
The ecological succession will transition into a hydrarch pathway due to the high moisture-retaining capacity of the algal mat.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Rivet_Popper_Hypothesis|Co-extinction_Logic|Trophic_Efficiency_Limits
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often equate 'higher biomass/photosynthesis' with 'faster succession' or confuse the definitions of primary vs. secondary succession.
The core trap is failing to recognize that in xerarch primary succession, the physical and chemical weathering of rock (pedogenesis) by lichen-specific acids is the absolute non-negotiable prerequisite for the facilitation cascade to proceed.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Ecosystem - Class 12 |
| Concept | Trophic Efficiency Limits |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |