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Question #46046
The Question
During the ecological assessment of a massive terrestrial biosphere reserve, the species-area relationship was plotted on a logarithmic scale, yielding a regression coefficient (Z-value) of 1.15. What does this specific Z-value indicate about the reserve's ecology, and what is the most appropriate in-situ conservation strategy?
Options
- A.
The reserve is a highly contiguous, uniform ecosystem; management should apply a broad-spectrum, uniform conservation strategy across the entire area.
- B.
The reserve exhibits significant habitat heterogeneity and internal fragmentation; management must focus on metapopulation dynamics and ecotone mitigation.
- C.
The area has reached a species-area equilibrium with minimal species turnover; conservation should focus strictly on maximizing the core area without anthropogenic intervention.
- D.
The steep slope indicates that species richness decreases as the area increases; therefore, the reserve should be divided into smaller, isolated ex-situ fragments.
Check Your Answer
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
Habitat Loss|Overexploitation|Alien Species Invasion
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize the NCERT data (Z=0.6-1.2 for large areas) without understanding the ecological 'why'—that massive areas have steeper slopes due to habitat heterogeneity and beta diversity.
The question tests the application of this mathematical constant to real-world in-situ conservation management (ecotones and edge effects).
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 |