domesticated species

DOMESTICATED SPECIES

Place of Domestication: Southern Mexico (Balsas River Valley) People Who Domesticated It: Early Mesoamerican cultures, like the Olmecs and Mayans Timeframe: ~9,000 years ago (~7,000 BCE) Why Domesticated: Maize was bred from wild teosinte for larger, nutritious kernels. It became a staple due to its versatility and high caloric content, fueling population growth and civilization development. How It Spread: Maize spread across the Americas via trade and later globally through the Columbian Exchange after 1492, thriving in diverse climates worldwide.

Maize (Zea mays)

Place of Domestication: Eurasia (Western Europe and Central Asia) People Who Domesticated It: Early hunter-gatherers Timeframe: ~15,000–40,000 years ago (earliest evidence ~15,000 years ago) Why Domesticated: Wolves began scavenging near human camps. Friendlier wolves were selected to help with hunting and protection, evolving into domesticated dogs over time. How It Spread: Dogs spread globally with human migration, becoming essential in hunting, herding, and companionship across every inhabited continent.

Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)