Five Species of Plants and Animals That Owe Their Existence to Humans

Human activity has had a significant impact on the natural world, leading to the decline and extinction of many plant and animal species. However, there are some species that only exist because of human intervention. These species may have been created intentionally or inadvertently through human activities such as selective breeding, hybridization, or introduction to new environments. Here are five plant and animal species that owe their existence entirely to humans.\r \r 1. Tangelos\r \r Tangelos are a type of citrus fruit that is a hybrid of a tangerine and a grapefruit. They were first created in the early 20th century through selective breeding by the US Department of Agriculture. Tangelos are sweeter than grapefruits and have a more delicate flavor than tangerines. Tangelos are an important food crop in Florida, where they are grown commercially. They are also popular among home gardeners because they are easy to grow and require little maintenance. Tangelos are rich in vitamin C and other nutrients, making them a healthy addition to any diet.\r \r 2. Tilapia\r \r Tilapia is a type of freshwater fish that is native to Africa but has been introduced to many other parts of the world. Tilapia is an important food fish in many countries, providing nutrition and income for millions of people. Tilapia was first introduced to the United States in the 1960s, and since then, it has become a popular food fish. Tilapia is easy to farm and can be raised in freshwater ponds, making it an affordable and sustainable food source. However, there are concerns about the environmental impact of tilapia farming, particularly in developing countries where regulations may be lax.\r \r 3. Sunflowers\r \r Sunflowers are a type of flower that is native to North America but has been introduced to many other parts of the world. Sunflowers were first domesticated by Native Americans over 1000 years ago, but they have since been selectively bred by humans to produce larger flowers and higher yields. Sunflowers are an important food crop in many countries, providing oil and seeds that are used in cooking and as a snack food. Sunflowers are also popular as ornamental plants, and they are often grown in gardens and parks.\r \r 4. Domesticated Chickens\r \r Domesticated chickens are a type of poultry that is believed to have originated in Asia over 7000 years ago. Chickens were first domesticated for their eggs and meat, but over time, humans have selectively bred them to produce more meat and eggs. Today, there are many breeds of domesticated chickens, each with its unique characteristics and traits. Chickens are an important food source for humans, providing meat, eggs, and poultry products such as chicken broth and stock.\r \r 5. Hybrid Roses\r \r Roses are a type of flower that has been cultivated by humans for thousands of years. However, many of the rose varieties we see today are hybrids created through selective breeding. Hybrid roses are created by cross-breeding two different rose varieties to produce a new plant with desirable traits such as larger flowers, more vibrant colors, and a longer blooming season. Hybrid roses are popular among gardeners and are often grown in gardens and parks for their beauty and fragrance.\r \r