Fifty years ago, there were several hundred varieties of wheat grown in the Middle East. Now a few of the more modern high responder varieties have replaced the indigenous species. What are the implications of this change?
A) The productivity of wheat should continue to rise and increase the availability of food per person.
B) Genetic resources are diminished and an epidemic of wheat disease is more likely due to the reliance on few species.
C) The high responder varieties will need specialized harvesting methods because they are so productive.
D) The biodiversity of wheat species has increased because of the introduction of few hybrid species.
E) All of these are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reduction in the number of wheat varieties grown leads to diminished genetic diversity, making the crops more susceptible to disease outbreaks since fewer species mean a higher chance that a single disease could affect a larger portion of the crops.

Fifty Years Ago, There Were Several Hundred Varieties of Wheat