Which of the following includes some of the world's earliest centers of plant domestication?

• A. Sahara Desert, Amazon Rainforest, and Australian Outback
• B. Scandinavia, Andes Mountains, and Arabian Peninsula
• C. Fertile Crescent, Mesoamerica, and China
• D. Siberia, Antarctica, and Greenland

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of plant domestication: Plant domestication refers to the process by which humans cultivate and modify wild plants for agricultural purposes, often leading to the development of stable food sources and the rise of civilizations.
2. Recognize the significance of early centers of plant domestication: These regions are areas where humans first began cultivating plants, leading to the development of agriculture and the growth of societies. They are typically characterized by favorable climates, fertile soils, and access to water.
3. Identify the regions historically associated with early plant domestication: The Fertile Crescent (Middle East), Mesoamerica (Central America), and China are widely recognized as some of the earliest centers of plant domestication due to their contributions to the cultivation of staple crops like wheat, maize, and rice.
4. Compare the options provided in the question: Evaluate each set of regions based on their historical significance in plant domestication. For example, the Sahara Desert, Amazon Rainforest, and Australian Outback are not known for early agricultural development, while the Fertile Crescent, Mesoamerica, and China are well-documented centers.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is Fertile Crescent, Mesoamerica, and China, as these regions played a pivotal role in the development of agriculture and the domestication of plants, shaping human history and civilization.