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Question #46675

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

Paul Ehrlich’s 'Rivet Popper Hypothesis' illustrates ecosystem stability, while the concept of co-extinction highlights obligate dependencies. If a novel pathogen causes the extinction of the specific cyanobacterial partner of a pioneer lichen during primary succession on a bare rock, which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding the ecological consequences?

Options

  • A.

    The fungal partner will undergo co-extinction, acting as the loss of a 'crucial rivet' that terminates the entire successional sere.

  • B.

    The absence of the pioneer species prevents the secretion of organic acids, thereby halting pedogenesis and the establishment of bryophytes.

  • C.

    The ecological disturbance will immediately trigger a secondary succession pathway, allowing herbaceous plants to bypass the pioneer stage.

  • D.

    This scenario demonstrates that in early seral stages, specific biodiversity is a prerequisite for successional progression, not just a product of it.

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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

Phosphorus Cycle|Sedimentary Rock|Decomposition Rate Modifiers

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

Conceptual Pivot: The absolute prerequisite for secondary succession.

Students often misinterpret 'ecological disturbance' as a universal trigger for secondary succession, forgetting the strict NCERT mandate that secondary succession requires pre-existing soil.

Furthermore, this question tests the high-order synthesis of three distinct NCERT concepts: Co-extinction, the Rivet Popper Hypothesis, and Seral Facilitation.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectBiology
ChapterEcosystem - Class 12
ConceptNutrient Cycling Reservoirs
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load5
Target Solve Time120 sec
AccessFree