Question

starting from the wild mustard brassica oleracea, breeders have created the strains known as brussel sprouts, broccoli, kale, and cabbage. which of the following statements is supported by this observation?

• in this species, most of the variation present is due to differences in soil, nutrition, amount of sunlight, or other aspects of the environment.
• heritable variation is low - otherwise the wild strain would have different characteristics.
• in this species, there is enough heritable variation to create a variety of features.
• natural selection has not occurred very frequently in the wild populations.

Explanation:

The fact that breeders could create different varieties like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, and cabbage from the wild mustard indicates there was sufficient heritable variation in the species to allow for the selection and development of different traits. Natural selection can occur in wild populations, and environmental factors like soil and sunlight can cause non - heritable variation, but the key here is the ability to breed different forms, which implies enough heritable variation.

Answer:

In this species, there is enough heritable variation to create a variety of features.