How was the species of corn shown in photo developed?

The species of corn shown in the photo is Zea mays, commonly known as maize or corn. It was developed through a long process of domestication and selective breeding by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica, particularly in the region of present-day Mexico. The domestication of maize began approximately 10,000 years ago from a wild grass called teosinte.

Here's an overview of how maize was developed:

1. Teosinte:

- Maize originated from a wild grass called teosinte, which is native to Mexico and Central America. Teosinte has small, hard kernels arranged on a central cob.

2. Early Cultivation:

- Indigenous people in Mesoamerica began cultivating teosinte around 10,000 years ago. They selected plants with desirable traits, such as larger kernels and softer cobs.

3. Selective Breeding:

- Over many generations, indigenous farmers used selective breeding techniques to enhance the traits of teosinte. They chose plants with the largest ears, sweetest kernels, and other desired characteristics.

4. Genetic Diversity:

- As maize cultivation expanded, genetic diversity increased due to cross-pollination between different plants. This diversity allowed for further selection and adaptation to various environments.

5. Spread of Maize:

- Maize cultivation spread throughout the Americas and eventually became a staple crop for many indigenous civilizations, including the Maya, Aztec, and Inca.

6. Modern Corn Varieties:

- After European colonization, maize was introduced to other regions of the world. Through continued breeding and hybridization, modern corn varieties with improved traits, such as higher yields, resistance to pests and diseases, and enhanced nutritional value, were developed.

The species of corn shown in the photo is a result of thousands of years of selective breeding and adaptation by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica. It has undergone significant changes from its wild ancestor, teosinte, to become the widely cultivated and diverse crop that we know today.