Question

George Beadle concluded that teosinte is the likely ancestor of maize (corn), even though the two plants appear very different. What evidence did Dr. Beadle collect that led to his conclusion?
a. teosinte and maize can produce fertile hybrids.
b. teosinte and maize have similar chromosomes.

Answer 1

Answer:

Option B

Explanation:

ALL options are as follows -

a. teosinte and maize can produce fertile hybrids.

b. teosinte and maize have similar chromosomes.

c. Both Teosinte and maize have naked, soft kernel.

d. Teosinte and maize can produce fertile hybrids

Solution

Beadle started working on maize genetics since 1962 after joining graduate school at Cornell University.  

During his research he found that the chromosomes of teosinte and maize possess higher similarity and also show signs of intercross ability of the two species and hence confirmed that wild teosinte is an ancestor of domesticated maize.  

He later concluded that there are only 4 to 5 genes that make these two species different from each other rest all is similar.  

Option B is correct