Choose the incorrect statement about the rivet popper hypothesis .

Options

A. Conscious extinction of species through the loss of biodiversity is more harmful than natural extinction.
B. The species which goes extinct affects the functioning of the ecosystem
C. Extinction of species will not affect the proper functioning of the ecosystem initially, but it becomes dangerous over time.
D. In his hypothesis , Stanford ecologist Paul Ehrlich compared the ecosystem to an ironclad ship with the species as the ship's rivets.

Answer

To solve the question regarding the incorrect statement about the rivet popper hypothesis, we will analyze each option based on the information provided in the video transcript.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Rivet Popper Hypothesis**:
- The hypothesis was proposed by scientist Paul Elrich in 1981. It compares an ecosystem to an airplane, where the rivets represent different species.
- The idea is that if species (rivets) are removed, the ecosystem (airplane) will eventually fail, even if the effects are not immediately visible.

**Hint**: Remember the analogy of the airplane and rivets; it’s crucial for understanding the hypothesis.

2. **Analyze Each Statement**:
- **Statement 1**: "Conscious extinction of species through the loss of biodiversity is more harmful than natural extinction."
- This statement is true. Elrich emphasized that human-induced extinction is more detrimental than natural extinction.

**Hint**: Think about how human actions can accelerate species loss compared to natural processes.

- **Statement 2**: "The species which goes extinct will affect the functioning of the ecosystem."
- This statement is also true. The loss of any species can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.

**Hint**: Consider examples of species loss and its impact on food chains and habitats.

- **Statement 3**: "Extinction of species will not affect proper functioning initially, but it becomes dangerous over time."
- This statement is true as well. Elrich noted that the effects of extinction may not be immediate but will lead to long-term consequences.

**Hint**: Reflect on the gradual changes in ecosystems over time due to species loss.

- **Statement 4**: "In this hypothesis, Stanford ecologist Paul Elrich compared the ecosystem to an ironclad ship with the species of the ship's rivet."
- This statement is false. Elrich compared the ecosystem to an airplane, not an ironclad ship.

**Hint**: Focus on the correct analogy used by Elrich; it's key to identifying the incorrect statement.

3. **Conclusion**:
- The only incorrect statement is the fourth one, which misrepresents the analogy made by Elrich. He compared the ecosystem to an airplane, not an ironclad ship.

### Final Answer:
The incorrect statement about the rivet popper hypothesis is: "In this hypothesis, Stanford ecologist Paul Elrich compared the ecosystem to an ironclad ship with the species of the ship's rivet."