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← HistoryWhich risk increased in early Mesoamerican maize agriculture via genetic selection for larger kernels on the central cob?
A)Increased susceptibility to aflatoxin contamination
B)Greater instability against wind lodging
C)Reduced germination rates due to overcrowding✓
D)Enhanced vulnerability to fungal smut diseases
💡 Explanation
When maize was initially selected for larger kernels packed densely on the cob, physical constraints led to reduced air circulation and space for individual kernels to develop properly, increasing their difficulty germinating. Therefore, reduced germination occurred, rather than other problems needing toxin exposure, wind stress or specific diseases.
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