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Question #46689
The Question
In a marine ecosystem, the pyramid of biomass is typically inverted, yet it successfully supports a large population of zooplankton and fishes. Which of the following statements accurately describes the functional dynamics that sustain this ecosystem?
Options
- A.
The high turnover rate of phytoplankton allows a small standing crop to maintain a high rate of primary production, supporting the secondary productivity of zooplankton.
- B.
The ecological efficiency between trophic levels is significantly greater than 10%, allowing a smaller biomass of producers to support a larger biomass of consumers.
- C.
The secondary productivity of the phytoplankton is rapid enough to continuously replace the biomass lost to grazing by the primary consumers.
- D.
The pyramid of energy in this ecosystem is inverted alongside the pyramid of biomass, ensuring continuous energy flow to higher trophic levels.
Check Your Answer
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
Ecotone and Edge Effect|Hydrarch vs Xerarch Convergence|Evil Quartet Drivers
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Distinguishing between 'Standing Crop' (a static snapshot of mass) and 'Productivity' (a dynamic rate of formation).
Students often fall into the trap of assuming an inverted biomass pyramid implies an inverted energy pyramid or a violation of the 10% law.
Furthermore, Option C exploits a micro-terminology trap by incorrectly attributing 'Secondary Productivity' to phytoplankton (producers), testing the strict NCERT definition that secondary productivity belongs exclusively to consumers.
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 |