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Question #46062
The Question
An invasive weed, Parthenium hysterophorus, is introduced into a native ecosystem. It aggressively outcompetes a native flowering plant, leading to the native plant's local eradication. Subsequently, a specialist moth species that relied exclusively on this native plant for nectar also goes extinct. Regarding this ecological cascade, which of the following statements is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The initial rapid spread of Parthenium is primarily due to the absence of its natural predators in the newly invaded geographical area.
- B.
The elimination of the native plant by Parthenium is a demonstration of competitive exclusion for shared resources.
- C.
The extinction of the moth illustrates 'Co-extinction', a phenomenon strictly limited to obligate plant-pollinator mutualisms.
- D.
This scenario demonstrates how one driver of the 'Evil Quartet' (Alien species invasion) can act as a catalyst for another driver (Co-extinction).
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
Global Species Diversity Patterns|Z-value in Large Areas|Species-Area Relationship
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize the 'Evil Quartet' as four isolated causes of biodiversity loss.
This question tests the synthesis of how they interact (Invasion -> Competitive Exclusion -> Co-extinction).
The specific trap lies in the absolute word 'strictly' in Option C, testing the student's comprehensive recall of NCERT examples, specifically the host-parasite co-extinction dynamic, preventing them from assuming co-extinction only applies to mutualism.
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 |