Farmers across many centuries have used selective breeding (artificial selection) to enhance certain qualities in their crops. Which of the following qualities would most likely be selected for in breeding and best crop yields?
Types Of Crops: Which One To Opt For Optimum Farming Productivity
a
decreased nutrient composition
b
bioluminescence for attraction to fireflies
c
resistance to harmful pests
d
decreased harvest production
c. resistance to harmful pests
Resistance to harmful pests is a highly desirable trait for crop breeding as it can significantly increase crop yields by reducing the damage caused by insects and other pests. This leads to healthier plants and often decreases the need for chemical pesticides, which can be costly and may have negative environmental impacts.
Options a (decreased nutrient composition) and d (decreased harvest production) are typically undesirable traits, as they would lead to lower-quality crops and reduced productivity, respectively. Option b (bioluminescence for attraction to fireflies) is not typically a trait that would be selected for in crops; bioluminescence does not contribute to farming productivity and would not be a practical trait for enhancement in agricultural crops.