Which of the following processes led to the development of new kinds of wheat and barley?

• A. Random mutation without human intervention
• B. Artificial selection by humans
• C. Genetic drift in wild populations
• D. Natural selection by environmental pressures

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key terms in the question: 'artificial selection,' 'random mutation,' 'genetic drift,' and 'natural selection.' Artificial selection refers to the intentional breeding of organisms by humans to enhance desirable traits.
2. Recognize that the development of new kinds of wheat and barley is a result of human intervention. Humans have historically selected plants with favorable traits, such as higher yield or disease resistance, and bred them over generations.
3. Eliminate the options that do not involve human intervention. Random mutation, genetic drift, and natural selection occur naturally without human influence, so they are not the primary processes responsible for the development of new crop varieties.
4. Focus on artificial selection as the correct process. Humans have played a direct role in selecting and propagating specific traits in wheat and barley, leading to the development of new kinds over time.
5. Conclude that artificial selection by humans is the process that led to the development of new kinds of wheat and barley, as it involves deliberate and targeted breeding to achieve desired traits.