Question: According to Nikolai Vavilov, how many centers of origin of cultivated plants are there?
Options:
Two
Four
Eight
Ten
Nikolai Vavilov, a Russian botanist and geneticist, proposed that there are eight major centers of origin for cultivated plants. These are regions where many important crop plants were first domesticated.
• A list of Vavilov's centers of origin, along with some of the key crops associated with each region:
• Chinese Center: This vast region includes various parts of China and is considered the origin of many important crops like:
Soybean: A staple legume crop used for food, feed, and oil.
Millet: A drought-tolerant cereal grain crucial for food security in arid regions.
Buckwheat: A pseudocereal with gluten-free seeds used in various culinary applications.
Chinese cabbage: A leafy vegetable widely used in Asian cuisine.
• Indian Center (including Indo-Malayan region): This center encompasses the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. It's a major center for crops like:
Rice: A staple food crop for a large portion of the world's population.
Sugarcane: A major source of sugar.
Mango: A tropical fruit with high nutritional value.
Cotton: A fiber crop used for textile production.
• Central Asian Center: This region includes parts of present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and northwestern India. It's known for:
Wheat: One of the most important cereal grains globally.
Lentils: A protein-rich legume.
Pea: A widely cultivated legume.
Flax: A fiber crop used for linen production.
• Near Eastern Center: Often referred to as the Fertile Crescent, this region includes parts of the Middle East. It's considered the birthplace of agriculture and is associated with:
Barley: A cereal grain used for food and animal feed.
Rye: Another cereal grain used for food and whiskey production.
Fig: A fruit with high nutritional value.
Lentil: A staple legume crop.
• Mediterranean Center: This region encompasses the lands surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. It's known for:
Oats: A cereal grain used for food and animal feed.
Olive: A fruit used for oil production and culinary purposes.
Grape: A fruit used for winemaking and fresh consumption.
Lettuce: A leafy vegetable widely used in salads.
• Abyssinian Center: Located in present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea, this center is known for:
Coffee: A widely consumed beverage crop.
Sorghum: A drought-tolerant cereal grain.
Sesame: A seed crop used for oil and flavoring.
Okra: A vegetable used in various cuisines.
• Central American Center (including Southern Mexico): This region is known for:
Maize (Corn): A staple food crop and a major source of animal feed.
Beans: An important legume crop for protein.
Squash: A versatile vegetable.
Cocoa: Used for chocolate production.
• South American Center: This center includes parts of the Andes region in South America. It's known for:
Potato: A major staple food crop globally.
Tomato: A fruit widely used in culinary applications.
Peanut: A legume crop used for food and oil production.
Pineapple: A tropical fruit.