From which wild grass was corn cultivated by early Mesoamerican farmers approximately ten thousand years ago?
Answer
teosinte
Corn, also known as maize, originated from cultivation efforts carried out by farmers in the region now recognized as Mexico. This domestication process involved selectively breeding the ancient wild grass species named teosinte over many millennia, beginning roughly ten thousand years in the past. This foundational relationship between teosinte and modern corn is key to understanding the staple food's history and genetic lineage.
Related Questions
From which wild grass was corn cultivated by early Mesoamerican farmers approximately ten thousand years ago?What alkaline process is used to improve the body's absorption capacity for niacin (B3) found in corn?Which two carotenoid antioxidants accumulate in the retina, strongly linked to reducing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration?What is the name of the main protein component found in corn, typically comprising 3% to 5% of its total content?What antioxidant found in purple corn is studied for potentially reducing neuroinflammation relevant to conditions like Alzheimer’s?What particular type of insoluble fiber acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and leading to SCFA production?Which essential mineral, vital for regulating the circulatory system, works as a vasodilator to help maintain healthy blood flow and lower blood pressure?What antinutrient found in whole corn can bind to dietary minerals like iron and zinc, slightly impairing their absorption in the same meal?Corn oil, derived specifically from the corn germ, is particularly rich in which polyunsaturated fatty acid known for health benefits?When is corn technically classified as a vegetable rather than a cereal grain based on its stage of harvest?What simple kitchen action can reduce the sodium content in canned sweet corn by approximately 40% before consumption?Excessive intake of High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is linked to negative outcomes including increased body fat and which associated systemic condition?