Question
GeneralGeneralGeneral

A farmer selects only high-yield crops for breeding. What is the genetic impact?

Verified Answer

Selecting only high-yield crops leads to increased expression of desirable traits but reduces genetic diversity over time.

Key Effects

Effect Impact Explanation
Trait Improvement Higher yield Desired genes become more common
Reduced Diversity Genetic narrowing Fewer variations remain in population
Uniformity Similar crops Plants become genetically alike
Risk Increase Vulnerability Same crops can be affected by one disease

Stepwise Understanding

  1. Farmer selects plants with high yield

  2. These plants are used for breeding

  3. Their genes become more frequent in next generations

  4. Other variations are gradually lost

  5. Population becomes more uniform

Important Concept

Selective breeding improves specific traits but can reduce genetic variation.

Real Insight

If all crops are genetically similar, a single pest or disease can damage entire crop, which is a major risk in farming.

So while yield improves, long term stability may decrease due to reduced diversity.