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Question #47570
The Question
An aquatic fern (pteridophyte), widely cultivated for its economic value as a biofertilizer in paddy fields, experiences a massive population crash following the introduction of Eichhornia crassipes into the water body. Which of the following statements regarding this ecological displacement is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The invasive weed rapidly drains dissolved oxygen from the water, altering the aquatic niche and accelerating the mortality of native flora and fauna.
- B.
The elimination of the native fern by the introduced weed represents 'Co-extinction', a key component of the 'Evil Quartet' of biodiversity loss.
- C.
The native pteridophyte relies on a symbiotic cyanobacterium, whose nitrogen-fixing ability is indirectly hindered by the invasive species blocking sunlight.
- D.
The invasive weed outcompetes the native pteridophyte for surface space primarily through rapid vegetative propagation via offsets.
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
Economic Importance Matrix|Mycorrhiza Nutrient Dynamics|Gymnospermae
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Distinguishing between the specific mechanisms of the 'Evil Quartet'.
Students often confuse 'Co-extinction' (which requires an obligate mutualistic or parasitic relationship failing) with the competitive exclusion driven by 'Alien species invasions'.
The trap leverages the word 'elimination' to bait students into incorrectly applying the term Co-extinction.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Plant Kingdom - Class 11 |
| Concept | Economic Importance Matrix |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |