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Question #45165
The Question
The widespread commercial cultivation of a patented, biofortified transgenic crop like Golden Rice often leads to the displacement of diverse indigenous landraces. What is the most likely long-term ecological consequence of this agricultural shift on the associated agro-ecosystem?
Options
- A.
It enhances secondary productivity by providing a more nutrient-dense biomass for primary consumers in the grazing food chain.
- B.
It decreases secondary productivity because the homogenization of crop species simplifies the detritus food chain.
- C.
It increases the overall genetic diversity of the ecosystem due to the introduction of novel recombinant genes.
- D.
It stabilizes the ecosystem by ensuring a constant, high-yield net primary productivity (NPP) that is resistant to genetic erosion.
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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
Germplasm Banks|Sovereign Rights|Gene Banks
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often equate 'biofortified/technologically advanced crop' with 'ecosystem improvement'.
The trap lies in confusing the targeted nutritional benefit for humans (Vitamin A enrichment) with ecological secondary productivity.
Students must synthesize concepts from Biotechnology (transgenics), Biodiversity (genetic erosion of landraces), and Ecosystems (how detritus diversity drives secondary productivity) to recognize that monocultures inherently degrade ecosystem complexity.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biotechnology and Its Applications - Class 12 |
| Concept | Biopiracy and Patents |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |