Study the four statement (i-iv) given below and select the two correct ones out of them
(i) A lion eating a deer and a sparrow feeding or grains are ecologically similar in being consumers.
(ii) Predator star fish Pisaster helps in maintaining species diversity of some invertebrates
(iii) Predators ultimately lead to the extinction of prey species
(iv) Production of chemicals such as nicotine, strychnine by the plants are metabolic disorders
The two correct statements are

Options

A. (i) and (ii)
B. (ii) and (iii)
C. (iii) and (iv)
D. (i) and (iv)

Answer

To solve the question, we need to analyze each of the four statements and determine which two are correct.

**Step 1: Analyze Statement (i)**
- Statement (i): "A lion eating a deer and a sparrow feeding on grains are ecologically similar in being consumers."
- Analysis: Both the lion and the sparrow are consumers. The lion is a carnivore (secondary consumer) and the sparrow is an herbivore (primary consumer). Therefore, this statement is **correct**.

**Step 2: Analyze Statement (ii)**
- Statement (ii): "Predator starfish Pisaster helps in maintaining species diversity of some invertebrates."
- Analysis: The Pisaster starfish is known to maintain species diversity by preying on certain species of invertebrates. When it was removed from its habitat, many invertebrate species declined or went extinct. This indicates that the presence of Pisaster helps maintain diversity. Therefore, this statement is **correct**.

**Step 3: Analyze Statement (iii)**
- Statement (iii): "Predators ultimately lead to the extinction of prey species."
- Analysis: While predators can impact prey populations, they do not necessarily lead to extinction unless they overexploit the prey. Predators can help regulate prey populations and maintain ecological balance. Therefore, this statement is **incorrect**.

**Step 4: Analyze Statement (iv)**
- Statement (iv): "Production of chemicals such as nicotine, strychnine by the plants are metabolic disorders."
- Analysis: The production of chemicals like nicotine and strychnine is a defense mechanism for plants against herbivores, not a metabolic disorder. These compounds are secondary metabolites that serve specific ecological functions. Therefore, this statement is **incorrect**.

**Conclusion:**
The two correct statements are:
1. Statement (i): A lion eating a deer and a sparrow feeding on grains are ecologically similar in being consumers.
2. Statement (ii): Predator starfish Pisaster helps in maintaining species diversity of some invertebrates.

**Final Answer:**
The two correct statements are (i) and (ii).

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