How is teosinte different from the corn today?

Teosinte, the wild ancestor of modern corn, exhibits several distinct differences from the highly domesticated corn we know today:

Ears and Kernels: Teosinte has small and brittle ears with a few rows of kernels, unlike the large and well-developed ears of corn with numerous rows of plump and uniform kernels.

Seed Dispersal: Teosinte ears disintegrate at maturity, releasing the kernels individually, aiding in seed dispersal. In contrast, modern corn retains the kernels firmly on the cob, facilitating harvesting.

Kernel Hardness: Teosinte kernels are hard and challenging to chew due to their protective casing, known as the pericarp. Corn kernels, on the other hand, have a softer pericarp, making them easier to eat.

Plant Structure: Teosinte plants are less uniform and have more branching compared to modern corn plants. They can grow up to several meters tall, while corn plants are typically shorter and have a more controlled growth pattern.

Genetic Diversity: Teosinte exhibits greater genetic diversity compared to corn. This diversity serves as a valuable resource for plant breeders to introduce desirable traits and improve modern corn varieties.

Through centuries of selective breeding and domestication, humans transformed teosinte into corn, enhancing its nutritional value, yield, and ease of cultivation. Corn's large ears, soft kernels, and improved agronomic traits made it a staple crop for human consumption and animal feed, contributing to the development of modern agriculture.