Final answer:
The main differences between wild and domesticated plants include domesticated plants having larger seeds, a reduction or loss in seed dispersal mechanisms, and higher yield per area when cultivated. Domesticated plants have been selectively bred for human agricultural preferences, while wild plants retain broader genetic diversity and natural adaptations for survival.
Step-by-step explanation:
What are the main differences between wild and domesticated plants? When we examine the traits of wild versus domesticated plants, we find several key differences that have arisen due to the process of domestication, which involves human selection and cultivation of plants with desired traits.
- Larger seeds: One of the main differences is that domesticated plants tend to have larger seeds. This is a result of artificial selection, where humans have consistently chosen plants that produce larger seeds, which are often easier to harvest and process.
- Seed dispersal mechanisms: While wild plants rely on various mechanisms to disperse their seeds over a wide area, domesticated plants often lose these capabilities. This is because, in agriculture, humans prefer plants that retain their seeds so as to collect them more easily.
- Yield: Contrary to wild plants that are adapted to natural conditions with no human intervention, domesticated plants are bred to produce a higher yield per unit of area under cultivated conditions. This is often achieved through selecting traits like more edible parts and denser growing habits.
These adaptations in domesticated plants also mean they are generally less suited to survival without human intervention, whereas wild plants are more resilient to changes in the environment due to their broader genetic diversity. Maintaining wild species related to crops is important for the ongoing improvement and resilience of agricultural systems.