The Size of a Plant's Seeds Reflects an Evolutionary Trade-Off

question 38

Multiple Choice

The size of a plant's seeds reflects an evolutionary trade-off.Large,heavy seeds contain ample nutrient reserves to fuel seedling growth but may not travel far.Small seeds,on the other hand,store limited nutrients but tend to disperse far and wide.The crops that humans cultivate typically have larger seeds than do their wild ancestors.How has human farming altered the evolution of these crops?

• A)We grow the plants under conditions that favor the growth of larger seeds.
• B)We have created crop plants that are more competitive in the wild than their ancestors.
• C)By using fertilizers the seeds do not need to store as many nutrients.
• D)Because we spread the seeds,we can spread more smaller seeds per acre,thus favoring these plants.
• E)We have removed the selection pressure favoring small seed sizE.

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Definitions:

Elevation

The height of a point on the Earth's surface above a reference level, typically sea level.

Land Surface

The physical and biological cover over the earth's crust, including rock, soil, vegetation, and man-made structures, which interacts with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

Stratigraphic Section

A representation of a sequence of rock layers (strata) in the Earth, illustrating their order, composition, and history.

Steep Slope

An area of land characterized by a sharp incline or rapid change in elevation, often leading to challenges in stability and construction.