Before You Begin
Question #46938
The Question
R.H. Whittaker erected the Kingdom Fungi primarily based on their absorptive heterotrophic nutrition. In a terrestrial ecosystem, these organisms drive the detritus food chain (DFC) via catabolism. If an ecologist observes a massive accumulation of detritus acting as a carbon sink rather than cycling nutrients, which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding this phenomenon?
Options
- A.
The detritus is likely rich in nitrogen and water-soluble substances like sugars, which competitively inhibit fungal extracellular enzymes.
- B.
The dominant decomposers possess cell walls made of a nitrogen-containing homopolysaccharide, which itself is highly resistant to rapid decomposition.
- C.
The ecosystem may be experiencing low temperature and anaerobiosis, which severely inhibit the catabolic activities of these saprophytes.
- D.
The accumulation indicates that the rate of humification is outpacing mineralization, resulting in a dark, amorphous substance highly resistant to microbial action.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Whittaker’s Criteria Hierarchy|Decomposition Rate Modifiers|Detritivores
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot & The 'Not' Trap: Students often get intimidated by complex jargon like 'competitively inhibit fungal extracellular enzymes' and fail to notice the fundamental NCERT contradiction.
The core misconception tested is the directionality of decomposition rate modifiers: students must remember that Nitrogen/Sugars = Fast Decomposition (no accumulation), whereas Lignin/Chitin/Anaerobiosis = Slow Decomposition (massive accumulation).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biological Classification - Class 11 |
| Concept | Whittaker’s Criteria Hierarchy |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |