What term describes the purposeful breeding of domesticated plants and animals by humans?

• A. Artificial selection
• B. Natural selection
• C. Mutation
• D. Genetic drift

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is how humans influence which traits persist in domesticated species by choosing which individuals reproduce. This intentional breeding based on desirable characteristics is called artificial selection. It explains why crops and livestock have traits that people value, such as larger fruit, sweeter flavors, or calmer temperaments, because breeders select those individuals to pass on their genes.

This differs from natural selection, where traits spread through populations due to environmental pressures and survival advantages, without human input. Mutation refers to random DNA changes that can create new traits, but artificial selection relies on choosing among existing variation rather than waiting for new traits to arise. Genetic drift involves random changes in allele frequencies that occur by chance, not by deliberate preference for certain traits.