Before You Begin
Question #46105
The Question
In an ecosystem experiencing a rapid decline in specific insect pollinator populations due to habitat fragmentation, which of the following plants is at the highest risk of co-extinction, and what is the morphological basis for this vulnerability?
Options
- A.
Datura; its actinomorphic flowers restrict pollinator access, representing a highly specialized mutualism.
- B.
Pisum; its zygomorphic flowers represent a specialized plant-pollinator mutualism, making it highly vulnerable to the loss of specific insects.
- C.
Mustard; its radial symmetry prevents a shift to anemophily, making it entirely dependent on a single insect species.
- D.
Gulmohur; its zygomorphic flowers provide a generalized landing platform, allowing it to easily attract alternative pollinators.
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
Flower_Symmetry_and_Sexuality|Co-extinction_Logic|Cephalization
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating Class 11 Plant Morphology (Floral Symmetry) with Class 12 Ecology (Co-extinction and Mutualism).
Students often memorize symmetry examples without understanding the evolutionary trade-off: bilateral symmetry is an adaptation for specialized pollination.
While it increases pollination efficiency, it creates a narrow ecological niche, leading to higher co-extinction vulnerability compared to the generalist strategy of actinomorphic flowers.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Animal Kingdom - Class 11 |
| Concept | Symmetry and Cephalization correlation |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |