Paragraph 1
When the potato was first introduced to northern Europe in the late sixteenth century, it was met with widespread suspicion. Because the plant belongs to the nightshade family, many botanists feared it was toxic, and peasants refused to plant it, believing it caused disease. For decades, it was grown only as a novelty in botanical gardens.
Paragraph 2
By the eighteenth century, however, a series of famines forced European governments to promote the potato as a reliable food source. Once farmers overcame their initial fears, they realized that potatoes produced far more calories per acre than wheat or barley. The crop quickly transitioned from a shunned curiosity to the foundational staple that fueled Europe's population boom.
Which of the following best describes the relationship between Paragraph 1 and Paragraph 2?
- Paragraph 1 outlines initial resistance to the crop, whereas Paragraph 2 explains how it became widely adopted.Answer
- BParagraph 1 defines the biological classification of the potato, while Paragraph 2 lists the specific countries that suffered from famines.
- CParagraph 1 shows how the potato caused famines in Europe, while Paragraph 2 details how botanists resolved this crisis.
- DParagraph 1 argues that potatoes are inherently dangerous to cultivate, while Paragraph 2 proves that wheat is a superior crop in all climates.