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Question #45322
The Question
In a stable, highly competitive climax ecosystem, an angiosperm species undergoes an evolutionary shift to maximize its Darwinian fitness. It alters its stoichiometric resource allocation following double fertilization. Which of the following adaptations correctly correlates the post-fertilization metabolic investment with its ecological selection strategy?
Options
- A.
Increased metabolic investment in the triploid endosperm at the expense of seed quantity, representing a shift towards a K-selected strategy.
- B.
Decreased investment in the triploid endosperm to maximize the total number of seeds produced, representing a shift towards a K-selected strategy.
- C.
Maximized investment in the triploid endosperm to produce a large number of small seeds, representing an r-selected strategy.
- D.
Equal stoichiometric investment in the haploid synergids and diploid zygote to maximize seed viability, representing a K-selected strategy.
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
Endosperm|Zygote|Fitness_Tradeoffs|Ecological_Fitness
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often study plant reproduction (Double Fertilization) and population ecology (r vs K selection strategies) in isolation.
The trap lies in failing to connect the microscopic event of endosperm formation with the macroscopic evolutionary concept of resource allocation trade-offs.
The question tests the ability to synthesize the stoichiometric investment of the 3n endosperm with the ecological definition of K-selection (fewer, larger, well-nourished offspring).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants - Class 12 |
| Concept | Double Fertilization Stoichiometry |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |