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Question #47632
The Question
In a terrestrial ecosystem, a severe deficiency of a limiting soil nutrient drastically reduces the Gross Primary Productivity (GPP). According to the principles of energy flow and ecosystem dynamics, which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding the systemic fallout of this limitation?
Options
- A.
The Net Primary Productivity (NPP) will decline, thereby restricting the rate of formation of new organic matter by primary consumers.
- B.
The respiratory losses (R) of producers will automatically decrease in exact proportion to GPP to ensure a constant biomass supply to herbivores.
- C.
The population density of top predators will be highly vulnerable to collapse, as the restricted NPP is subjected to sequential 90% energy losses at each trophic level.
- D.
The pyramid of energy will remain strictly upright despite the nutrient limitation, though the absolute energy content at its base will be significantly narrower.
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
GPP|NPP|Trophic_Efficiency|10_Percent_Law
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often anthropomorphize ecosystem dynamics, assuming producers 'regulate' their metabolism to maintain balance for consumers.
The trap exploits the misconception that 'R' is a flexible variable that adjusts to protect 'NPP'.
In reality, 'R' is a fixed physiological requirement; when GPP falls due to Liebig's Law of the Minimum, NPP takes the brunt of the deficit, triggering a severe upward trophic cascade.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Photosynthesis in Higher Plants - Class 11 |
| Concept | Law of Limiting Factors |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |