Maize
Maize speciation is the process of how maize, or corn, evolved from its wild ancestor, teosinte. Teosinte is a grass that is native to Mexico and Central America. It has small, hard kernels that are not suitable for human consumption. Maize, on the other hand, has large, soft kernels that are a staple food for millions of people around the world. Maize speciation is thought to have occurred over a period of thousands of years. It is believed that maize was domesticated from teosinte by early farmers in Mexico. Farmers selected for maize plants with larger and softer kernels, and over time, these traits became more common in the population. Maize also underwent other changes during domestication, such as becoming more erect and having a larger cob.