Answer :
Final answer:
Maize was domesticated in Mesoamerica likely between 5000 BCE and 3000 BCE, with significant evidence emerging by around 2500 BCE. Initially part of a mixed diet alongside hunting and gathering, by 2000 BCE it had become a staple crop fostering settled agricultural communities. The process of transforming maize from its wild ancestor, teosinte, was crucial for the rise of complex societies.
Explanation:
Domestication of Maize in Mesoamerica
Maize, also known as corn, was domesticated in Mesoamerica from a wild grass called teosinte. This process likely began between 5000 BCE and 3000 BCE. Evidence indicates that by around 2500 BCE, maize cultivation had significantly increased, leading to the establishment of sedentary agricultural communities.
Key Points of Maize Domestication
- Initially, maize domestication started several thousand years ago, with early evidence from the Tehuacán Valley.
- Before becoming fully sedentary, Mesoamerican peoples relied on a mix of hunting, gathering, and early agriculture, which included maize.
- By 2000 BCE, maize had become a staple crop, allowing for the growth of complex societies in the region.
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