Which of these plants was domesticated in Mexico?
options: wheat maize sugar coffee rice
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: Maize
Explanation (300 words):
Maize, commonly known as corn, was domesticated in Mexico and is one of the most significant contributions of the Americas to global agriculture. The domestication of maize dates back around 9,000 years, and it originated from a wild grass known as teosinte, which is native to southern Mexico. Over thousands of years, early indigenous peoples selectively bred teosinte for traits like larger cobs and more kernels, eventually leading to the development of maize as we know it today.
Maize played a foundational role in the diet, economy, and culture of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Olmec, Maya, and Aztecs. It was more than just a food source—it held religious and mythological significance. In many indigenous creation stories, humans were even said to be made from maize.
Here is why the other options are incorrect:
- Wheat was first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent (modern-day Middle East), not Mexico.
- Sugar (specifically sugarcane) was originally domesticated in Southeast Asia and then spread to India and later to the Americas via colonial routes.
- Coffee originates from Ethiopia in Africa, and its domestication and spread began in the Arabian Peninsula before becoming a global commodity.
- Rice was first domesticated in Asia, especially in regions of China and India.
Therefore, among the listed crops, only maize has its origin and early domestication rooted in Mexico. Today, maize remains a major staple crop globally and is used not only for food but also for animal feed, biofuels, and various industrial products.
In conclusion, maize is the correct answer as the crop that was domesticated in Mexico, highlighting the region’s pivotal role in agricultural history.