What does "cultivars" refer to in anthropology?

The term "cultivars" refers specifically to cultivated plants that have been selectively bred for particular characteristics. In anthropology, the study of cultivars is significant because it highlights human intervention in the natural world, particularly how agricultural practices have shaped plant species over time to meet human needs such as food production, medicinal uses, or ornamental purposes. Understanding cultivars can provide insights into agricultural development, cultural practices related to food, and the relationship between humans and their environment. This concept is critical in discussions about domestication, the history of agriculture, and the cultural relevance of various plants in different societies.

The other options do not capture the essence of what cultivars mean in the context of anthropology. For example, wild plants are not selectively bred and do not reflect human cultivation practices, ancient artifacts refer to archaeological findings rather than living organisms, and types of soil focus on the medium in which plants grow rather than the plants themselves.