There are some crop traits which are critical for domestication of plants as they appear across many different plant species which have been cultivated by humans.

Reduced grain dispersal is a common trait in domesticated crops because

Question

There are some crop traits which are critical for domestication of plants as they appear across many different plant species which have been cultivated by humans.

Reduced grain dispersal is a common trait in domesticated crops because

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

In this question, we’re evaluating why reduced grain dispersal is a common domestication trait in crops. 
Option 1: It is a physiological change in the brittle rachis trait leading to shattering of grains making it easy to harvest them from the plant. This is inconsistent with the concept of reduced dispersal; shattering promotes grain loss and easier natural dispersal, not reduced dispersal, so this answer describes the opposite effect. 
Option 2: It is a physiological change in the trait controlling when seeds finish developing leading to grain which is ready to harvest at the same time for each plant. While synchronization of maturity is beneficial, the statement mentions physiological control of seed development timing rather than the mechanical retention of grains on the plant, so it captures a different aspect of domestication than reduced dispersal. 
Option 3: It is a morphological change in the brittle rachis trait leading to increased retention of grains on the plant making harvest more efficient. This matches the classic domestication trait: a change in the structure (brittle rachis) that reduces natural grain shattering, resulting in grains staying attached longer and easier to harvest. It directly ties to reduced dispersal and improved harvest efficiency through a physical (morphological) modification. 
Option 4: It is a morphological change in the trait controlling when seeds finish developing making it easier to time harvest for before they fall from the plant. Although a developmental timing change can aid harvest, this option describes seed development timing rather than the physical retention of grains on the plant, so it does not specifically explain reduced dispersal via grain retention. 
Overall, the reasoning shows that only option 3 accurately connects a morphological modification of the brittle rachis to increased grain retention and more efficient harvest, while the other options describe related but distinct concepts that do not capture the core idea of reduced grain dispersal through brittleness changes.

There are some crop traits which are critical for domestication of plants as they appear across many different plant species which have been cultivated by humans. Reduced grain dispersal is a common trait in domesticated crops becauseSingle choice

Similar Questions

In wild barley and wheat, the seed head shatters to aid seed dispersal. During domestication, farmers selected for non-shattering varieties to

The origin of Vitis vinifera is considered to be;

Which one of the following correctly describes common selection that has occurred in plant domestication?

The grapevine was first domesticated by mankind approximately:

Question at position 1 Turfgrass was originally domesticated for the purpose of:Livestock grazingRecreational sportsOrnamental horticultureEcosystem restoration题目解析

Question at position 1 Turfgrass was originally domesticated for the purpose of:Livestock grazingRecreational sportsOrnamental horticultureEcosystem restoration

How many points are there on the Commonwealth Star?[Fill in the blank]

The colours of the uniforms of the national sports teams of Australia are gold and what other colour?[Fill in the blank]

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler