Question

approximately ninety plant species provide about 90% of the world’s food. all major food crops, including corn, wheat, and soybeans, are becoming more and more genetically modified (gm) and without less and less genetic variation. the crops we grow are thought to be resistant and able to withstand herbicide spraying. they are more resistant to insect pests. one weed species is commonly called milkweed or zea diploperennis, is exceptionally disease - resistant and is the only perennial in the corn family. zea diploperennis grows on only one mountain in western mexico. today we are faced with human diseases we have never had to fight before: (hiv - aids, ebola, zika). imagine if our agricultural corn crops are hit by a new and previously unknown pathogen, one that attacks members of the zea species. the new pathogen has infected with other plant species, the potato crop in ireland, the chestnut trees in the u.s. what would be the best preventative strategy for several of the corn species? a conducting research to find a way to kill the pathogen b decreasing the gene variation to form all new gm corn with c increasing genetic variation and breeding plants with the wild variety d conducting research to find a natural predator of the disease - causing pathogen

Explanation:

The problem is about crop genetics and disease resistance, which relates to plant biology. The option C (Increasing genetic variation and breeding plants with the wild variety) is correct because increasing genetic variation through breeding with wild varieties can help crops gain resistance to new pathogens, as wild varieties often have diverse genetic traits for resilience.

Answer:

C. Increasing genetic variation and breeding plants with the wild variety