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Question #46076
The Question
In a designated Biosphere Reserve, the outermost transition zone is subjected to severe anthropogenic overexploitation, arresting ecological succession at an early seral stage (plagioclimax). Integrating the principles of biosphere zonation and David Tilman's ecosystem experiments, which of the following represents the most likely cascading ecological consequence on the strictly protected core zone?
Options
- A.
The core zone becomes highly susceptible to stochastic climate perturbations due to intensified edge effects and the loss of the surrounding diversity-stability buffer.
- B.
The core zone will exhibit decreased year-to-year variation in total biomass as it becomes ecologically isolated from the anthropogenic disturbances.
- C.
The core zone will spontaneously initiate secondary succession to ecologically compensate for the loss of the climax community in the transition zone.
- D.
The core zone's resilience to alien species invasions will increase due to the competitive exclusion principle acting at the newly formed abrupt boundary.
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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
In-situ Conservation (Hotspots)|Rivet Popper Hypothesis|Ecological Succession Climax
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often view the zones of a biosphere reserve as ecologically isolated compartments, failing to realize that the transition and buffer zones act as vital ecological shields for the core.
The synthesis requires connecting the physical degradation of the transition zone (edge effect) with Tilman's Diversity-Stability hypothesis (lower diversity = lower resilience).
Common Misconception: Assuming that because the core zone is legally 'strictly protected' and physically untouched by humans, it remains completely immune to ecological degradation happening in the peripheral zones.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biodiversity and Conservation - Class 12 |
| Concept | In-situ Conservation (Hotspots) |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |