SSC CHSL 2023 PYQ — Question 36

The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Rivet popper hypothesis.

The Rivet Popper Hypothesis was proposed by Paul Ehrlich to suggest the importance of species richness in the maintenance and stability of ecosystems. According to this hypothesis, each species in an ecosystem is like a rivet in an airplane; all species contribute to the functioning of the ecosystem, and the loss of any species weakens it, just as the loss of rivets could compromise the integrity of the plane.

Ehrlich argued that ecosystems are more resilient and stable when they have a high level of species diversity. The hypothesis implies that a diverse set of species, each playing unique ecological roles, is essential for the proper functioning of ecosystems. Losing too many species would lead to ecosystem degradation, much like an airplane losing too many rivets, which could eventually cause it to fail. The rivet popper hypothesis highlights the critical role that species richness plays in maintaining ecological balance and preventing collapse.