Choose the correct option:
A farmer saves the seeds from his best maize crop plants to sow for next year's crop.

Options

A. artificial selection
B. genetic engineering
C. Natural selection
D. variation

Explanation

To solve the question, we need to analyze the scenario presented and determine which of the given options best describes the farmer's actions.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Scenario**: The farmer saves seeds from his best maize crop plants. This indicates that he is selecting specific seeds based on their performance.

2. **Identifying the Selection Process**: The farmer's action of choosing the best seeds is a deliberate choice made by him. This is not a random process; he is actively selecting the seeds he believes will yield the best results.

3. **Differentiating Between Selection Types**:
- **Natural Selection**: This occurs when environmental factors determine which individuals survive and reproduce. It is not applicable here since the farmer is making a choice.
- **Artificial Selection**: This is when humans select specific traits in plants or animals for breeding. The farmer’s action of saving seeds from the best plants fits this definition perfectly.
- **Genetic Engineering**: This involves directly modifying the genetic material of an organism, which is not what the farmer is doing.
- **Variation**: This refers to differences in traits among individuals. While it is a concept related to genetics, it does not describe the farmer's action of saving seeds.

4. **Conclusion**: Since the farmer is actively choosing the seeds from his best maize plants to sow for next year’s crop, this is an example of artificial selection.

5. **Final Answer**: The correct option is **Artificial Selection**.