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 practices typically involve selecting plants with larger seeds, as larger seeds can be more easily planted and harvested, and may produce larger and more reliable crops. By selecting for larger seeds, humans have removed the selective pressure that would favor smaller seeds. As a result, crop plants may have evolved to have larger seeds than their wild ancestors.

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