Archaeological findings show the extent of primitive characteristics of maize in South America

Archaeological research at the Peruaçu River Canyon has uncovered maize samples with primitive morphological characteristics that challenge previous understandings of maize domestication and spread in South America. These findings represent the earliest and most distant records from Mexico's center of origin, dating between 1010 and 570 years before present, and demonstrate an unexpected longevity of primitive traits in the region. The study integrates archaeological samples, native races, and teosinte (maize's wild ancestor) to provide evidence for a prolonged history of maize diversification in lowland South America, suggesting that maize arrived partially domesticated but retained primitive features longer than previously thought.

Costa, F. M., Vidal, R., de Almeida Silva, N. C., Veasey, E. A., de Oliveira Freitas, F., & Zucchi, M. I. (2024). Archaeological findings show the extent of primitive characteristics of maize in South America. Science Advances, 10(36). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adn1466