Genetic Diversity and Maize Varieties

What are some common uses of maize (corn) in modern society?

• Primarily as a decorative plant in gardens.

• As a staple food, livestock feed, and a source for biofuels.

• Exclusively for traditional ceremonial purposes.

• Only as a raw material for construction.

From which native grass did modern maize evolve through selective breeding?

• Wheat

• Teosinte

• Barley

• Rice

What is a potential consequence of modern agricultural practices focusing on cultivating only a few highly productive maize varieties?

• Increased genetic diversity within the maize species.

• Enhanced resistance to all known diseases.

• Loss of native varieties and their unique traits.

• Reduced need for seed banks.

Why is preserving a wide range of maize varieties in seed banks important for the future?

• To ensure a consistent supply of only the fastest-growing varieties.

• To prevent the cultivation of traditional maize.

• To maintain genetic diversity, which provides traits for adapting to environmental changes.

• To reduce the overall cost of farming.

What is the primary goal of the genetic research on maize described?

• To create entirely new species of maize.

• To identify traits that help maize tolerate environmental stresses.

• To reduce the genetic diversity of maize varieties.

• To develop maize that requires more water and fertilizer.

In genetics, what are alleles?

• Entire maize plants with unique characteristics.

• Different versions of a DNA segment that often differ by a single nucleotide.

• Specific types of maize kernels with distinct colors.

• Proteins found in maize plants that fight off pests.

How do scientists determine if a specific allele might be beneficial for maize in a particular environment?

• By observing the physical appearance of maize plants in ideal laboratory conditions.

• By calculating the allele frequency and correlating it with the environmental conditions where that variety thrives.

• By randomly cross-breeding different maize plants and analyzing the offspring's growth rate.

• By measuring the amount of water absorbed by different maize varieties.

What was the result of incorporating novel genetic variation (promising alleles) into modern maize varieties through selective breeding, specifically under drought stress?

• A decrease in the quantity of maize produced.

• No significant change in maize productivity.

• A significant increase in the quantity of maize produced.

• An increased susceptibility to common maize diseases.