Recent genomic sequencing of ancient emmer wheat grains recovered across Near Eastern archaeological sites reveals a striking pattern: despite centuries of deliberate cultivation, genetic diversity remained virtually constant until a sudden, severe bottleneck occurred around 7,000 BCE. Archaeological historians traditionally attributed this shift to catastrophic climate aridification that forced farmers to rely on a few resilient cultivars. However, isotopic analysis of contemporary livestock teeth indicates stable precipitation levels and diverse forage during this exact period. Instead, the sudden homogenization coincides precisely with the widespread adoption of centralized, state-managed seed storage facilities. Therefore, early administrative centralization, rather than environmental stress, was the decisive driver behind the reduction in crop genetic variation.
Based on the passage above, which of the following statements express a main conclusion or primary claim advanced by the argument? Select all that apply.
- Early state-managed centralized seed storage, rather than climatic hardship, was primarily responsible for the loss of genetic diversity in early cultivated emmer wheat.Answer
- BClimatic aridification around 7,000 BCE forced Near Eastern agrarian societies to abandon diverse cultivars in favor of drought-resistant crops.
- Administrative developments in early agrarian societies had a far greater impact on crop genetic homogenization than did environmental shifts during the period around 7,000 BCE.Answer
- DIsotopic analysis of livestock teeth provides conclusive proof that prehistoric farmers intentionally selected genetically uniform seeds.
- EGenomic sequencing of ancient plant remains is less methodologically reliable than isotopic analysis when reconstructing agricultural history.