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?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Human farming has likely removed the selection pressure that previously favored small seed size in crops. This is because humans select and propagate plants with desirable traits, such as larger seeds that provide more food per plant. This removes the pressure on plants to produce smaller, more easily dispersed seeds in order to survive and reproduce in the wild. Additionally, human farming practices may favor the growth of larger seeds by providing optimal conditions for their growth and development.

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