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Question #46464
The Question
Read the following statements regarding the interplay of natural selection, ecological succession, and community dynamics. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
In early seral stages, directional selection primarily favors r-strategists possessing a high intrinsic rate of natural increase.
- B.
As succession proceeds towards the climax community, selection pressures shift to favor K-strategists, promoting niche specialization.
- C.
Intense directional selection for competitive dominance in the climax stage invariably maximizes species richness by preventing competitive exclusion.
- D.
Hyper-competition among late-successional species for a limiting resource can lead to the elimination of inferior competitors, aligning with Gause's principle.
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
Stability-Diversity|Niche Partitioning|K-strategists
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating Gause's Competitive Exclusion Principle with Ecological Succession.
The common misconception is the linear assumption that the climax community always possesses the absolute highest species diversity.
Students often fail to realize that intense directional selection for competitive dominance (K-strategists) in stable environments leads to the exclusion of weaker species, which can actually cap or reduce overall species richness.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Evolution - Class 12 |
| Concept | Natural Selection Directionality |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |