The 2000-2004 drought in California dramatically shortened the growing season. What was the consequence of this for the mustard plant, Brassica rapa?
A) The plants were unable to flower in time and therefore went extinct.
B) Natural selection led to earlier flowering time in the plants.
C) The plants had increased reproductive success in those years.
D) Those plants that had longer generation times had higher survival rates.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The shortened growing season would put pressure on Brassica rapa plants to flower earlier in order to complete their life cycle before the end of the season. Natural selection would favor those plants that are able to flower earlier, allowing them to reproduce and pass on their genes. Therefore, option B is the best answer.

The 2000-2004 Drought in California Dramatically Shortened the Growing Season