Why are oranges sweet and lemons aren’t?
Just as all dogs are descendants of the wolf and (almost?) all the Brassica (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.) species descended from three ancestors, all the citrus fruits are descendants of hybridization of three or four ancestors, which in turn were selectively bred over centuries by human…
The Short Answer
Just as all dogs are descendants of the wolf and (almost?) all the Brassica (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.) species descended from three ancestors, all the citrus fruits are descendants of hybridization of three or four ancestors, which in turn were selectively bred over centuries by humans or inbred through geographic isolation. After enough iterations, one originally small feature becomes particularly salient (like the Hapsburg chin or a Chihuahua's tiny size).
Analysis
Key Concepts: Descendants, three, ancestors
This explanation focuses on descendants, three, ancestors and spans 70 words across 2 sentences. The depth is typical for Everyday Life questions (category average: 65 words), striking a balance between accessibility and completeness.
What This Answer Covers
This is a focused, single-point answer that gets directly to the core of the question without detours.
How This Compares in Everyday Life
Ranked #191 of 500 Everyday Life questions by answer depth (top 39%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why oranges sweet and lemons aren't?
Just as all dogs are descendants of the wolf and (almost?) all the Brassica (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.) species descended from three ancestors, all the citrus fruits are descendants of hybridization of three or four ancestors, which in…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Everyday Life questions?
This is an above-average answer at 70 words, ranked #191 of 500 Everyday Life questions by depth. The key concepts covered are descendants, three, ancestors.
What approach does this answer take to explain oranges sweet and lemons aren't?
The explanation uses direct explanation across 70 words. It is categorized under Everyday Life and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.