The Evolution of Corn: From Teosinte to Modern Crop

This chapter discusses the evolution of corn as a food crop in the New World, highlighting the challenging conditions faced by early farmers and the gradual development of corn from a mutant plant called Teosinte. It explores the transformation of Teosinte into the modern ear of corn through selective breeding and mentions ongoing efforts in genetic engineering. The chapter also explores the significance of corn in indigenous diets and its spread into different regions.