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Question #46045
The Question
A massive continuous tropical rainforest, which originally exhibited a species-area relationship Z-value of 1.15, is subjected to severe anthropogenic habitat fragmentation, resulting in several small, isolated forest patches. Which of the following statements regarding the ecological consequences of this event is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The Z-value for the individual remaining small patches will shift to a gentler slope (0.1 to 0.2) as they no longer support the species richness dynamics of a large continental area.
- B.
The total perimeter-to-area ratio of the fragmented forest decreases, thereby providing a secure refuge for species that require deep, undisturbed forest interiors.
- C.
The decline of mammals and birds requiring large territories will trigger a synergistic extinction cascade, accelerating co-extinctions among obligate mutualists.
- D.
The newly created isolated patches will experience increased edge effects, making the microclimate at the boundaries less suitable for the original climax community.
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
Alexander von Humboldt|Regression Coefficient|Ecological Stability
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often misunderstand the geometry of habitat fragmentation.
They assume 'smaller area = smaller perimeter', failing to realize that breaking a continuous area into patches drastically INCREASES the total perimeter-to-area ratio (Edge Effect).
Furthermore, this question requires synthesizing the quantitative Z-value data from NCERT (0.6-1.2 for large areas vs 0.1-0.2 for small areas) with the physical reality of fragmentation and its cascading effect on co-extinctions.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biodiversity and Conservation - Class 12 |
| Concept | Z-value in Large Areas |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |