Ethiopian Grain Quiz

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Questions and Answers

To which plant family does Eragrostis tef belong?

Brassicaceae

Poaceae (correct)

Fabaceae

Asteraceae

What type of plant is Eragrostis tef?

Woody perennial

Biennial herb

Herbaceous annual (correct)

Shrub

Where was Eragrostis tef first domesticated?

China

Egypt

India

Ethiopia (correct)

Which part of Eragrostis tef is primarily utilized?

Seeds Signup and view all the answers

What is the native distribution of Eragrostis tef?

Africa Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of early plant classification systems was primarily based on physical characteristics?

Artificial similarities Signup and view all the answers

What problem did common names for plants present in early classification?

One species could have multiple names. Signup and view all the answers

Who developed the standard Latin-based system of nomenclature used in plant classification?

Carl Linnaeus Signup and view all the answers

In the binomial system, which part of the species name is always italicized?

Both generic name and species epithet Signup and view all the answers

What did Theophrastus contribute to the field of plant classification?

He created the first plant classification system. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the rules from the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature regarding the generic name?

It should be capitalized. Signup and view all the answers

What type of nomenclature was utilized before the binomial system was established?

Polynomial nomenclature Signup and view all the answers

What significant development during the Age of Herbals aided plant classification?

The invention of the printing press Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of the Victoria Water Lily's large surface area?

To allow light absorption Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is emphasized in phenetic classification systems of flowering plants?

Morphologically conservative floral characters Signup and view all the answers

Which tree species is known for its thick trunk as an adaptation?

Baobab tree Signup and view all the answers

What does the phylogenetic classification of flowering plants require?

Information on ancestral relationships Signup and view all the answers

According to Hooker's theory on flowering plant evolution, what is hypothesized to occur?

Separation of sexes in flowers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following plant species is adapted to survive in foggy weather?

Giant Senecio Signup and view all the answers

What disadvantage do flowering plants face in understanding their evolutionary history?

They are poorly preserved in the fossil record Signup and view all the answers

Azarella compacta is characterized by which of the following traits?

It looks like a cushion Signup and view all the answers

What does the authority designation in a binomial name represent?

The nomenclatural history of the scientific name Signup and view all the answers

Why is the biological species concept often problematic when applied to plants?

Separate populations may not interbreed easily Signup and view all the answers

How does the environment influence plant morphology?

Environmental conditions can drastically change morphology Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why some plant species may form fertile hybrids?

They are genetically very similar Signup and view all the answers

What is agamospermy in plants?

A form of asexual reproduction bypassing fertilization Signup and view all the answers

Which plant is known for having the world's smallest fruit?

Duckweed Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes monocots from eudicots in terms of cotyledons?

Monocots have one cotyledon while eudicots have two. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is typically associated with monocots?

Fibrous root system with a short-lived primary root. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following families is NOT part of the magnoliid group?

Rosaceae Signup and view all the answers

What flowering plant group evolved prior to monocots and eudicots?

Magnoliid Angiosperms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a typical floral feature of eudicots?

Floral parts in multiples of five. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of leaf structure, which statement is true for monocots?

Leaves are linear and parallel-veined. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following families includes species like cinnamon and avocado?

Lauraceae Signup and view all the answers

How many flowering plant families are currently recognized within the accepted classification system?

About 300 to 350. Signup and view all the answers

What was one key incentive for human populations to transition from a nomadic lifestyle to plant domestication?

Access to trade routes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes why hunter-gatherers needed to remain nomadic?

Food supplies were seasonal and varied Signup and view all the answers

What effect did settling and cultivating plants have on human populations?

Greater control over local environments Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the lifestyle of present-day hunter-gatherer groups like the !Kung?

They spend limited time collecting food and have leisure time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a primary factor that prompted the development of agriculture?

Abundant local food supplies Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of the efficiency gained from domestication and agriculture?

Larger human populations could be maintained Signup and view all the answers

How did the domestication of plants impact human society?

It led to civilization and career specialization Signup and view all the answers

Which question would NOT typically be asked by ethnobotanists regarding the origins of agriculture?

How did the hunting techniques evolve? Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern related to genetically engineered (GE) crops?

They may hybridize with native plants. Signup and view all the answers

Which method specifically involves the direct manipulation of an organism's genome?

Genetic engineering. Signup and view all the answers

Why is genetic diversity important for crop development and medicinal drug creation?

It provides a varied genetic pool for breeding programs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of the loss of tropical rain forests?

Reduction in available genetic resources. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes genetic engineering from genetic modification?

Genetic engineering adds new genetic material to organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is one concern consumers have regarding genetically engineered crops?

Their safety and health implications. Signup and view all the answers

Why are older plant varieties and cultivars valuable in modern breeding programs?

They provide genetic variation beneficial for breeding. Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to the high consumer resistance to GE crops in Europe?

Concerns about environmental and health implications. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of high-yield crop breeding?

Increased vulnerability to pests and diseases Signup and view all the answers

Which crop is primarily known for causing the Irish potato famine?

Potato Signup and view all the answers

How did the Green Revolution primarily affect developing nations?

It benefited only nations with large-scale farms. Signup and view all the answers

What does monoculture in modern farming typically result in?

Higher susceptibility to diseases Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can make high-yield crops particularly vulnerable to environmental challenges?

Dependence on fertilizers and water Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of food plants indigenous to Africa?

They include crops like coffee and sorghum. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an introduction from the Americas?

Rice Signup and view all the answers

What was a main aim of the Green Revolution?

To improve crop yields through technological advancements Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of genetic crossing and back-crossing in plant breeding?

To enhance hybrid vigor and develop new cultivars Signup and view all the answers

What role does colchicine play in plant breeding?

It induces polyploidy by doubling chromosome numbers Signup and view all the answers

Which is a benefit of developing polyploid plants?

Often results in larger and more robust plants Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of genetic mutations in crop development?

They can lead to new traits that improve crops Signup and view all the answers

What crop resulted from crossing wheat and rye in the University of Manitoba's breeding program?

Triticale Signup and view all the answers

Why is mutability important for crop development?

It allows for the identification of useful mutations Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do modern agricultural crops often have due to polyploidy?

Improved resilience in poorer soils Signup and view all the answers

What primary factor contributed to the development of agriculture in arid regions such as the Fertile Crescent?

Both B and C Signup and view all the answers

Which archaeologist proposed that crowding around watering holes led to the domestication of plants?

Gordon Childe Signup and view all the answers

Which theory emphasizes the role of favorable habitats in the shift to sedentary agricultural practices?

Sauer's Theory Signup and view all the answers

What is one possible reason for agriculture to have developed earlier in arid regions compared to more humid locations?

Better preservation of archaeological materials Signup and view all the answers

Which crop type is particularly mentioned as having originated in the Fertile Crescent region?

Cereal crops Signup and view all the answers

What significant transition does the Neolithic Revolution refer to?

From hunting-gathering to agriculture Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered in Sauer's proposal for the origins of agriculture?

Presence of large herd animals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of domestication that emerged during the shift to agriculture?

Establishment of stable food sources Signup and view all the answers

What significant agricultural advancement occurred 2,500 years ago in the Americas?

Introduction of irrigation and domestication of turkeys Signup and view all the answers

Which civilization is known for the domestication of potatoes and development of irrigation systems?

Inca Signup and view all the answers

Which crop was primarily introduced to Europe in the 1600s from the Americas?

Corn (maize) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following crops was introduced to Africa from Asia?

Bananas Signup and view all the answers

Which region is associated with the introduction of rice as an indigenous crop?

Asia Signup and view all the answers

What was a major agricultural characteristic of the Mayan civilization?

Selection of corn and bean cultivars Signup and view all the answers

Which crop was primarily cultivated by indigenous populations in Central and South America?

Corn (maize) Signup and view all the answers

When did the domestication of wheat and barley occur?

8,750 years ago Signup and view all the answers

What major crops were included in the 15% cultivation of Central Mexico and Peru around 7,000 years ago?

Corn, squash, and peppers Signup and view all the answers

Which innovation was developed in Egypt approximately 14,000 years ago?

Grinding equipment Signup and view all the answers

By how many years ago did evidence of rice cultivation in Spirit Cave, Thailand, develop?

7,000 years ago Signup and view all the answers

Which development occurred around 6,000 years ago in Africa?

Evidence of agriculture in the Sahara Signup and view all the answers

What was a common activity in Central Mexico and Peru's societies around 9,000 to 7,000 years ago?

Hunter-gatherer lifestyle Signup and view all the answers

Which period marks the shift of agriculture from Asia Minor to the Balkans?

6,000 years ago Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Botanical Information

Belongs to the Poaceae family, commonly known as the grass family.
Type of plant: (a) herbaceous; (b) herb; (c) annual.
Native distribution primarily in the Ethiopian highlands.

History as a Food Plant

First domesticated in Ethiopia over 2,000 years ago.
Most widely grown in Ethiopia and parts of Eritrea.

Utilization

Edible part of the plant: seeds used for flour production.
Processing involves threshing to separate grains from chaff, followed by milling into flour.
Flour is used to make traditional flatbreads like injera, a staple food in Ethiopian cuisine.
The grain is rich in protein, fiber, and minerals, making it a nutritious staple.

History of Plant Classification

Classification dates back to Ancient Greek times, addressing similarities and defining similarity criteria.
Early systems were "artificial," based on appearance and medicinal properties rather than evolutionary relationships.
Theophrastus, a disciple of Aristotle, created the first plant classification system, identifying families like Pea, Grass, and Sunflower.
The Age of Herbals (1470-1670) expanded early classification, introducing illustrations and common names, but faced issues of variability in naming.
Standardization led to a Latin-based nomenclature system to avoid confusion.
Polynomial nomenclature was cumbersome, later simplified to a binomial system by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, using a generic name and species epithet (e.g., Picea glauca for white spruce).
The binomial name follows strict rules: capitalization of the generic name, italicization, and optional authority designations.

Plant Species

A biological species is defined as a group capable of interbreeding, but this has limitations in practice.
Spatial separation can hinder interbreeding; some species can hybridize, while others reproduce asexually.
Morphological characteristics are often used for classification, but morphology can be influenced by environment and does not always correlate with genetic relationships.
Examples of morphological plasticity:
- Potentilla sensitivity to light.
- Domesticated fruits differing from their wild counterparts.
- Rafflesia evolving to attract pollinators with a "corpse" scent.

Evolutionary Relationships of Flowering Plants

Phenetic classification emphasizes conservative morphological traits, minimizing plasticity in plant characteristics.
Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species popularized phylogenetic classification, which focuses on evolutionary relationships and ancestry.
Knowledge of flowering plant ancestry is enhanced by molecular biology despite a sparse fossil record.
Competing theories from the 19th century:
- Enigmatic evolution with small, simple flowers (Adolf Engler).
- Early large, complex flowers, leading to reduced floral parts and unisexual plants (Joseph Hooker).
The Hooker-Bessey-Cronquist system currently recognizes 300 to 350 flowering plant families, confirmed by genetic studies.

Flowering Plants: Monocots and Eudicots

Angiosperms are grouped into monocots (single cotyledon) and eudicots (two cotyledons), with additional morphological distinctions.
Monocots:
- Herbaceous structure, floral parts in multiples of three, linear leaves with parallel veins, and fibrous root systems.
Eudicots:
- Can be herbaceous or woody, floral parts in multiples of four or five, broad leaves with net venation, and persistent taproots.
Recent research suggests a more complex divergence, including a third group, magnoliid Angiosperms, predating monocots and eudicots.
Significant magnoliid families:
- Magnolia (Magnoliaceae), Laurel (Lauraceae - cinnamon, avocado), Soursop (Annonaceae - tropical fruits), Pepper (Piperaceae - black pepper), Nutmeg (Myristicaceae - nutmeg, tropical timber).

Domestication of Plants

Domestication of plants began around 10,000 years ago, transitioning from hunter-gatherer societies.
Hunter-gatherer groups existed below environmental carrying capacity, relying on seasonal food availability and nomadic lifestyles.
Knowledge of botany among hunter-gatherers was extensive, understanding plant cycles and edible parts.
Settling in one location was incentivized by reliable food sources, access to trade routes, and year-round water.

Origins of Agriculture

Agriculture defined as deliberate sowing of crops, arose independently in three global regions approximately 5,000 to 7,000 years ago.
Notable regions for early agriculture include Asia Minor, China-Southeast Asia, and the Americas, particularly the Fertile Crescent.
Reliable food supply and native wild cereal crops contributed to the rise of agriculture in arid regions.

Theories of Plant Domestication

Gordon Childe's Neolithic Revolution: Proposed that prolonged dry periods led to the convergence of humans and herd animals at watering holes, promoting plant cultivation.
Carl Sauer's Sedentary Habitats: Suggested sedentism began in areas with favorable conditions (mild climate, edible plants, ample water).

Crop Cultivation Across Continents

Africa: Indigenous plants include coffee, sorghum, millet; crops from Asia: coconut, rice, bananas.
Americas: Staple crops like corn, cassava, and potatoes developed in Central and South America; minimal indigenous crops in North America.

Green Revolution

Focused on high-yield crops, which often sacrifice pest and disease resistance, requiring more resources (fertilizers, water).
Technological advancements primarily benefitted wealthy nations, with poorer regions struggling due to costs and soil differences.
Monocultures increase vulnerability to pests, exemplified by the Irish potato famine caused by monoculture potato crops.

Plant Breeding Techniques

Genetic Crossing & Back-Crossing: Traditional methods for developing and maintaining hybrid vigor in crops.
Artificial Chromosome Doubling: Induced using colchicine; leads to larger, more resilient plants, often resulting in polyploid varieties.
Genetic Mutation: Can be spontaneous or artificially induced; important for developing new crops like Brussels sprouts from cabbage.
Genetic Engineering: Importing genes from other organisms to enhance crop features; has raised health and ecological concerns among consumers.

Genetic Diversity

The genetic pool is essential for developing new crop varieties and medicinal compounds.
Older plant varieties may hold valuable genetic traits for modern agricultural challenges.
Loss of biodiversity, such as the extinction of older cultivars and deforestation in tropical regions, poses significant risks to future agriculture and ecosystem health.

Domestication Timeline

Plant domestication began around 10,000 years ago.
By 5,000 to 7,000 years ago, agriculture was established in Asia Minor, China-Southeast Asia, and the Americas.

Asia Minor Agricultural Developments

10,000 years ago: Collection of wild grains.
8,750 years ago: Cultivation of wheat and barley; domestication of goats, sheep, pigs, and various plants.
7,000 years ago: Agricultural practices expanded into the Tigris-Euphrates valleys.
6,000 years ago: Rise of urban civilizations and introduction of agriculture to the Balkans, including a shift to rye and oats in Europe.
Grinding equipment developed in Egypt around 14,000 years ago, with agricultural evidence in the Sahara by 6,000 years ago.

Mnemonic Devices for Asia Minor

"Wild Wheat Goats Move Urban": Key events spanning from the collection of wild grains to urban civilization development.
"Asia to Balkans, Egypt Grinds, Sahara Farms": Highlights major introductions and innovations across regions and time.

Early Agricultural Evidence in Asia

9,000 years ago: Bean and pea cultivation begins in Spirit Cave, Thailand.
7,000 years ago: Rice cultivation also observed in Thailand.
6,000 years ago: Emergence of an agrarian society at Yang-Chao, near the Yellow River in China.

Mnemonic Devices for Early Agriculture in Asia

"Beans, Rice, Yang-Chao": Captures significant agricultural milestones in Thailand and China.

Agricultural Development in Central America

9,000-7,000 years ago: Predominantly hunter-gatherer societies.
7,000 years ago: Approximately 15% crop cultivation, including corn, squash, and avocado.
5,500 years ago: Cultivation increases to about 30%.
3,500 years ago: Fully agricultural societies develop various crops and domesticate dogs.
2,500 years ago: Advancements include irrigation and turkey domestication; initiated trade in crop seeds.

Civilizations in Central America

Aztecs: Adopted intensive irrigation methods.
Mayans: Focused on selecting corn and bean cultivars.
Incas: Known for potato domestication and sophisticated irrigation systems.

Mnemonic Devices for Central America

"Hunters Cultivate Fully Irrigated Trade": Describes progression from hunting to advanced agriculture.
"Aztec Mayan Inca": Represents key civilizations and their agricultural advancements.

Crop Introductions by Region

Europe:
- Romans introduced peas, oats, rye, and herbs.
- Arabic colonization brought rice, sugar cane, and citrus fruits.
- 1600s saw corn and potatoes introduced from the Americas.
- 1700s: Potatoes spread to Russia and central Europe.
Asia:
- Indigenous crop: rice.
- Introductions from the Americas include corn, papaya, and chili pepper.
Africa:
- Indigenous crops: coffee, sorghum, millet.
- Introductions include coconut and bananas from Asia and mango from the Near East.
Americas:
- Indigenous: corn, potatoes, and various fruits.
- Spanish and English colonists brought sugar cane, bananas, and coffee.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the grain native to the Ethiopian highlands. This quiz covers its botanical information, history as a food plant, and its utilization in traditional cuisine. Learn about its cultivation and nutritional benefits as a staple food in Ethiopian culture.