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Question #45279
The Question
In a marine ecosystem characterized by an inverted pyramid of biomass, the primary producers (phytoplankton) maintain a very high turnover rate to support a larger biomass of zooplankton. Suppose a novel, mildly toxic pollutant is introduced that specifically inhibits the formation of recombination nodules in these producers. Which of the following is the most likely long-term ecological consequence?
Options
- A.
The pyramid of biomass will become upright as the producers compensate for meiotic failure by increasing their lifespan and standing crop.
- B.
A bottom-up trophic collapse will occur, as the lack of crossing over prevents the generation of genetic variations required to adapt to the novel pollutant.
- C.
The secondary consumers will experience a population surge due to the biomagnification of the pollutant, leading to a spindle-shaped biomass pyramid.
- D.
The ecosystem will remain stable because the high turnover rate of phytoplankton is maintained exclusively by mitotic division, rendering meiotic inhibition ecologically irrelevant.
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
Inverted Biomass Pyramids|Meiotic Reductional Division|Energy Transfer Efficiency
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating the ecological vulnerability of an inverted biomass pyramid with the genetic necessity of meiosis for environmental adaptation.
The primary trap is Option D, which exploits the 'Common Half-Truth' that phytoplankton turnover is purely mitotic, ignoring the evolutionary requirement of genetic recombination (crossing over) to survive novel environmental stressors.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Cell Cycle and Cell Division - Class 11 |
| Concept | Meiotic Reductional Division |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |