Before You Begin
Question #46043
The Question
An ecologist analyzing the fragmented landscape of the Western Ghats notes that certain small, culturally protected forest patches harbor an exceptionally high number of endemic species and their obligate mutualists. These patches defy the standard extinction-probability curves of the surrounding degraded lands. Which of the following statements regarding these ecological anomalies is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
They represent an in-situ conservation strategy where cultural buffers act as micro-refugia, preventing the co-extinction of host-specific endemics.
- B.
Due to their minimal geographic area, these patches strictly conform to the standard low Z-value (0.1 to 0.2) typical of small, unprotected habitat fragments.
- C.
The sacred groves of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya are classic examples of such refugia, often serving as the last refuge for rare and threatened plants.
- D.
The preservation of these patches helps maintain local biodiversity by mitigating the impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation, a key driver of the 'Evil Quartet'.
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
Trophic Efficiency Limits|Inverted Biomass Pyramids|Species-Area Relationship
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often rigidly apply the Species-Area Relationship (SAR) rule that 'small area = low species richness = standard low Z-value (0.1-0.2)'.
The trap lies in failing to recognize that Sacred Groves act as ecological anomalies (micro-refugia).
Because of intense cultural protection, they maintain an artificially high carrying capacity for endemic and threatened species, defying the standard extinction-probability curve of similarly sized unprotected fragments.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biodiversity and Conservation - Class 12 |
| Concept | Species-Area Relationship |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |