Before You Begin
Question #47681
The Question
In a designated biodiversity hotspot, an endemic angiosperm faces severe population decline despite strict in-situ conservation that successfully halted over-exploitation and alien species invasions. Soil analysis reveals the localized extinction of its obligate Glomus symbiont due to micro-habitat degradation. Regarding this scenario and the 'Evil Quartet' of biodiversity loss, which of the following statements is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The plant's decline is a classic manifestation of 'Co-extinction', as the loss of one partner in an obligate mutualism inevitably drives the other to extinction.
- B.
The in-situ conservation strategy was insufficient because it focused on macro-environmental threats while overlooking the below-ground microbial networks essential for niche stability.
- C.
The extinction of the Glomus species primarily deprives the endemic plant of fixed atmospheric nitrogen, leading to a critical collapse in its reproductive fitness.
- D.
Even if the plant's germplasm is preserved ex-situ in a seed bank, successful ecological restoration in its native habitat requires the reintroduction of the specific fungal symbiont.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
ATP_Hydrolysis|Ion_Gradient|Trophic_Efficiency
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Functional Confusion between root symbionts.
Students frequently conflate the roles of mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus - Phosphorus absorption) with nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium - Nitrogen fixation).
The question also tests the application of the 'Evil Quartet' (Co-extinction) beyond standard macroscopic examples, emphasizing that in-situ conservation must account for microscopic, below-ground nutrient-sharing networks.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Microbes in Human Welfare - Class 12 |
| Concept | Mycorrhiza Nutrient Dynamics |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |