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Question #46626
The Question
In a (+, -) population interaction, both predators and parasites exploit their respective prey or hosts. However, ecological principles dictate that these exploiters are 'prudent' in nature. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding the evolutionary dynamics of a specialized endoparasite?
Options
- A.
It tends to lose unnecessary sense organs and develops a high reproductive capacity to maximize its evolutionary fitness.
- B.
Natural selection favors mutations that continuously maximize the host's death rate (D) to ensure rapid nutrient extraction and parasite dominance.
- C.
It often exhibits a complex life cycle involving one or more intermediate hosts or vectors to facilitate parasitization of its primary host.
- D.
If it becomes too efficient and overexploits its host, it risks its own extinction due to the rapid elimination of its ecological niche.
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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
N = N0 + (B+I) - (D+E)|Eichhornia crassipes
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often confuse 'evolutionary success' or 'virulence' with 'causing maximum harm'.
They assume a stronger, more dominant parasite is one that kills its host fastest.
The trap relies on misunderstanding the (+, -) matrix; while the interaction is detrimental to the host, optimal evolutionary strategy requires balancing this harm to keep the host alive long enough for parasite transmission.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Organisms and Populations - Class 12 |
| Concept | Birth/Death Rate vs Immigration/Emigration |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |