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Question #46059
The Question
The 'Evil Quartet' drives global biodiversity loss, with overexploitation and habitat fragmentation functionally reducing the effective area available to vulnerable populations. Based on Alexander von Humboldt's Species-Area Relationship, which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding the ecological consequences of this anthropogenic niche contraction?
Options
- A.
When analyzing the impact of this area contraction across very large regions like entire continents, the regression coefficient (Z-value) steepens to 0.6 - 1.2.
- B.
On a logarithmic scale, the relationship between the remaining species richness (S) and the contracted area (A) is graphically represented as a rectangular hyperbola.
- C.
Overexploitation acts as a selective pressure that functionally shrinks the effective area, nullifying the standard area-diversity equilibrium.
- D.
The extinction of a highly overexploited species, such as Steller's sea cow, can trigger a cascade of co-extinctions within the ecosystem.
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
Primary Succession Facilitation|Ecological Succession Climax|Habitat Destruction
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students frequently memorize the terms 'rectangular hyperbola' and 'straight line' without anchoring them to their respective axes (arithmetic vs. logarithmic).
The trap exploits this superficial memorization.
Furthermore, it tests the ability to synthesize two distinct NCERT concepts: the mathematical parameters of the Species-Area Relationship (Z-value sensitivity) and the drivers of biodiversity loss (The Evil Quartet).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biodiversity and Conservation - Class 12 |
| Concept | Evil Quartet Drivers |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |