The use of selective breeding in farming offers several benefits to humans, particularly in relation to food production and agricultural efficiency. Here’s how the options you presented can be evaluated:
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It produces hybrid offspring: Selective breeding often leads to the development of hybrid varieties that can exhibit desirable traits, such as improved yield, disease resistance, or enhanced flavor. These traits help secure a more reliable food supply.
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It can result in higher food prices: While selective breeding itself does not inherently lead to higher food prices, the enhanced qualities and increased efficiencies can sometimes create market pressures that might influence prices. However, this is more of a consequence rather than a direct benefit of selective breeding.
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It does not require farmers to control the course of nature: This statement is somewhat misleading. Selective breeding is actually a way for farmers to exert control over agricultural outcomes by choosing specific traits to encourage in plants and animals. It is an intentional process guided by human decisions, not a lack of control.
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It allows less land to be used to make the same amount of food: This is a significant benefit of selective breeding. By developing crops and livestock that are more productive, farmers can yield more food from the same amount of land, which is especially important in addressing food security in a world with limited arable land.
Overall, the most direct benefits of selective breeding for humans are the production of hybrid offspring with desirable traits and the efficiency that allows less land to be used to produce the same amount of food, contributing to food security and potentially keeping food prices stable.