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Question #46688
The Question
According to Paul Ehrlich’s 'Rivet Popper Hypothesis', the loss of key species severely compromises ecosystem stability. When applying this principle to an aquatic ecosystem characterized by an inverted pyramid of biomass, why would the removal of a few producer species trigger a more rapid trophic collapse compared to a terrestrial forest?
Options
- A.
The aquatic ecosystem lacks a large standing crop buffer, meaning reduced functional redundancy at the producer level accelerates trophic cascades.
- B.
The inverted pyramid of energy in aquatic systems restricts energy flow, making the system hyper-sensitive to species extinction.
- C.
Phytoplankton possess a significantly lower reproductive turnover rate than terrestrial angiosperms, preventing rapid recovery from species loss.
- D.
The aquatic ecosystem has a higher standing crop of producers than consumers, which paradoxically destabilizes the food web when 'rivets' are lost.
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
Diversity-Stability Relationship|Co-extinction Logic|Hydrarch vs Xerarch Convergence
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating the structural fragility of an inverted biomass pyramid (low standing crop, high turnover) with the functional consequences of the Rivet Popper hypothesis.
The trap relies on testing if students will fall for the classic 'inverted energy pyramid' distractor or misunderstand the concept of 'standing crop' versus 'turnover rate'.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Ecosystem - Class 12 |
| Concept | Hydrarch vs Xerarch Convergence |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |