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Question #47450
The Question
A bioaccumulating neurotoxin selectively destroys the crista ampullaris and macula in the apex predators (large fishes) of a pelagic marine ecosystem. Based on the principles of neural coordination and ecological pyramids, what will be the immediate physiological effect on these predators, and how will their subsequent decline impact the ecosystem's biomass dynamics?
Options
- A.
The predators will lose dynamic and static equilibrium; their decline will cause an overpopulation of zooplankton, severely depleting the phytoplankton, which normally maintain a lower standing crop than the fishes in this inverted pyramid.
- B.
The predators will lose auditory sensory transduction; their decline will cause an overpopulation of zooplankton, severely depleting the phytoplankton, which normally maintain a higher standing crop than the fishes in this upright pyramid.
- C.
The predators will lose dynamic and static equilibrium; their decline will cause a decrease in zooplankton, leading to an exponential increase in phytoplankton, which normally maintain a higher standing crop in this inverted pyramid.
- D.
The predators will lose the ability to detect water pressure changes; their decline will cause zooplankton overpopulation, depleting the phytoplankton, which normally maintain a lower standing crop in this upright pyramid.
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
Inverted Biomass Pyramids|Vestibular Equilibrium Mechanics
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
The 'Conceptual Pivot' requires students to synthesize two distinct NCERT domains: Neural Control (distinguishing the vestibular apparatus's role in equilibrium from the cochlea's role in hearing) and Ecology (recalling the counter-intuitive fact that in marine ecosystems, primary producers have a lower standing crop than apex predators, creating an inverted biomass pyramid).
The trap lies in confusing the high turnover rate of phytoplankton with a high standing crop.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Neural Control and Coordination - Class 11 |
| Concept | Vestibular Equilibrium Mechanics |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |