Scientific studies (including studies from archaeology & geology) show that corn was used as food at least 7,000 years ago in Mexico. These tests include excavations and radioactive decay testing. There were never any forms of wild corn found, and the actual origin of corn is still being debated today.

Today, corn is highly specialized, and isn't ready for natural reproduction. Even though the ear can produce many seeds, the plant can't do anything with them, without help from us. Thanks to mutation, natural selection, and the American Indians, wild corn slowly became corn as we know it today: maize. Maize is a cultigen. In lamen's terms, it was made that way by humans.

Before 1492, corn was unknown to the New World. But the Indians of Nor and South America cultivated it into all its present forms. The seeds from the Americas were taken to Eruope and Africa by explorers of the 16th century. There were planted and became very popular. Ever since the 1930's, corn production has improved in quantity, and quality. Today's corn is much larger than that of the Indians, by all means.

Page created by Dustin Murrell.