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Question #47566
The Question
A population of a freshwater Chlorophycean alga experiences sudden, severe thermal stress. This stress disrupts the cytoskeletal stability of the blepharoplast (basal body), specifically compromising the apical insertion of its locomotory structures. Based on the reproductive strategies of green algae, which of the following represents the most biologically accurate consequence of this event?
Options
- A.
The alga shifts from rapid population expansion via zoospores to survival dormancy through the formation of thick-walled zygospores.
- B.
The alga compensates for the loss of apical flagella by developing two unequal, lateral flagella to maintain zoospore motility.
- C.
Asexual reproduction shifts exclusively to the production of motile aplanospores to ensure continued dispersal.
- D.
The population relies entirely on vegetative fragmentation, as sexual reproduction in Chlorophyceae strictly requires non-motile gametes.
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
Chlorophyceae|Flagellar_Insertion|Evolution|Oogamous_Reproduction
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Linking the structural disruption of 'apical insertion' (a defining NCERT trait of Chlorophyceae) to the ecological shift from asexual zoosporic expansion to sexual zygosporic perennation under stress.
The trap relies on students confusing the flagellar characteristics of different algal classes (apical/equal vs lateral/unequal) and failing to recognize that aplanospores are strictly non-motile.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Plant Kingdom - Class 11 |
| Concept | Chlorophyceae Flagellar Insertion |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |