Read It!
The sunflower family is the largest plant family on Earth, encompassing more than 24,000 species, including lettuce, artichokes, dandelions, and other plants. The sunflower's genome is 3.5 billion letters long, only slightly longer than the human genome. Researchers are now mapping the sunflower's DNA sequence to identify genes responsible for agriculturally important traits. Some of these traits include seed oil content, flowering, and drought and pest tolerance. Once researchers identify these genes, they aspire to crossbreeding a new species of sunflower with all the desirable traits. The new variety could improve crop yields and create a renewable fuel source that could replace fossil fuels.
Do It!
A _________ sunflower offers many benefits.
Press enter to interact with the item, and press tab button or down arrow until reaching the Submit button once the item is selected
A sterile
B hybrid
C premature
D pungent
B hybrid
Sarah Partan, a specialist in animal behavior, is the creator of a mechanical squirrel named Rocky. Partan's team of undergraduate students is using Rocky to observe squirrels in their natural environment. They're hoping to decode the squirrels' communication methods and social cues. They also want to understand the animal's survival instincts. Partan constantly updates Rocky's technology. She also refines the robot's actions to make it seem more squirrel-like. Rocky's movements are controlled by basic computer programs. The robot contains tiny speakers that play recordings of real squirrels. The real squirrels don't seem to notice that Rocky is mounted on a board.
Do It!
For her study, Partan must _________ the squirrels.
Press enter to interact with the item, and press tab button or down arrow until reaching the Submit button once the item is selected
A infect
B classify
C conceal
D deceive
D deceive
B hybrid
To answer this question, we need to understand what the various options refer to.
A. A sterile sunflower refers to a sunflower that is unable to produce viable seeds. Sterile plants might have benefits in certain scenarios, such as preventing unwanted cross-pollination or controlling invasive species. However, in terms of improving crop yields or creating a renewable fuel source, a sterile sunflower may not offer many benefits as it cannot reproduce effectively.
B. A hybrid sunflower refers to a sunflower that is the result of crossbreeding two different parent plants with desirable traits. Hybridization can lead to improvements in traits such as yield, disease resistance, or quality. Therefore, a hybrid sunflower could potentially offer many benefits in terms of improved traits and greater crop yields.
C. A premature sunflower refers to a sunflower that blooms or matures before the typical time. This could be advantageous in specific agricultural situations, such as extending the growing season or avoiding damage from late-season pests. However, the question does not provide enough context to determine whether a premature sunflower offers many benefits.
D. A pungent sunflower refers to a sunflower with a strong, noticeable scent. While scent can have some benefits in terms of attracting pollinators, it is not typically considered an agriculturally important trait, and its relevance to improving crop yields or creating a renewable fuel source is unclear.
Based on the provided information, the most suitable answer would be B. hybrid, as it aligns with the goal of crossbreeding sunflowers to create a new variety with desirable traits that could improve crop yields and potentially serve as a renewable fuel source.