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Question #46985
The Question
The 'Red Queen Hypothesis' dictates that parasites must continuously evolve to evade host immune defenses. A newly emerged pathogenic fungus is classified under Deuteromycetes. Compared to a pathogenic Ascomycete, which of the following best describes the evolutionary trade-off regarding ecological fitness for this Deuteromycete?
Options
- A.
It achieves rapid host colonization through clonal expansion but lacks meiotic recombination to efficiently generate novel antigenic variants.
- B.
It conserves energy by avoiding plasmogamy but becomes highly susceptible to host phagocytosis due to the absence of a dikaryotic mycelium.
- C.
It relies on parasexual cycles for rapid mutation but expends significantly more ATP producing conidia than ascospores.
- D.
It evades adaptive immunity faster through somatic mutations but cannot form parasitic haustoria without undergoing karyogamy.
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
Linkage|Crossing_Over|Ascomycetes_Ascospore_Formation
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students must link the NCERT fact that Deuteromycetes lack a sexual phase to the evolutionary concept of why sexual reproduction exists (genetic variation).
The trap lies in confusing reproductive structures (dikaryon, karyogamy) with vegetative/pathogenic survival mechanisms (phagocytosis evasion, haustoria).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biological Classification - Class 11 |
| Concept | Fungal Sexual Lifecycle Stages |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |