Question

How does the genetic diversity of a modern corn field compare to the genetic diversity of a population of the pre-domesticated corn plant?

• A. Less diversity
• B. More diversity
• C. More genetic diversity, but less phenotypic variation
• D. The same amount of diversity

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

More diversity

The genetic diversity of a modern corn field is more diverse as it may contain genes transferred from from bacteria, to naturally protect it from pests

For example, Bt corn

However, a pre domesticated corn plant is the one that is most suitable to be grown in a certain environment, majorly by artificial selection that is cross breeding and deriving a gene pool from an existing one that can provide a better commercial value

Example - sweet corn, a recessive trait, but is abundantly available due to taste preference and comparatively soft kernels