Bioscience Evidence 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 122-130 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/be 123 patterns between highland and lowland populations, highlighting the complex genetic architecture underlying maize adaptation (Hu et al., 2022). Research has identified several key genes and gene networks involved in maize adaptation to various climatic conditions. These include genes related to flowering time, drought and cold tolerance, plant defense, and starch properties (Brandenburg et al., 2017; Hu et al., 2022). For example, studies have shown that maize's adaptation to highland regions involves multiple genetic mechanisms, including convergent evolution at the gene expression and regulation levels (Hu et al., 2022). Similarly, the adaptation of maize to temperate climates has been linked to early flowering and other traits that enhance its performance in shorter growing seasons (Swarts et al., 2017; Zahn, 2017). Understanding these genetic underpinnings is crucial for developing maize varieties that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change, ensuring food security and agricultural sustainability (Moradi et al., 2014; Lóránt et al., 2018; Zafar et al., 2019). In conclusion, the adaptation of maize to various climatic conditions is a complex process driven by both natural and human-guided selection. By exploring the genetic mechanisms underlying this adaptation, researchers can develop strategies to enhance maize's resilience to climate change, ultimately contributing to global food security. 2 Literature Review 2.1 The origin and evolution of corn Maize, originated in a restricted area of Mexico and has since become one of the most widely cultivated crops globally. The domestication of maize from its wild ancestor, teosinte, involved significant genetic changes that allowed it to adapt to a variety of climatic conditions (Corral et al., 2008; Brandenburg et al., 2017). The genetic basis of maize's adaptation has been extensively studied, revealing that both natural and human-driven selection have played crucial roles in its evolution (Lóránt et al., 2018). The evolutionary history of maize is marked by its spread from its center of origin in Mexico to diverse environments across the globe. This spread was facilitated by both natural selection and human intervention, which guided the adaptation of maize to various climatic and ecological conditions (Corral et al., 2008; Brandenburg et al., 2017). For instance, maize was introduced to temperate North America around 4 000 years ago, where it underwent significant genetic changes to adapt to shorter growing seasons and cooler climates (Swarts et al., 2017). The adaptation process involved both short-term and long-term evolutionary changes, with significant contributions from its wild relatives, the teosintes (Lóránt et al., 2018). 2.2 The impact of climate conditions on maize growth Maize growth is highly influenced by various climatic factors, including temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, and soil conditions. These factors can significantly affect the phenology, yield, and overall health of maize plants. Temperature plays a critical role in maize development, particularly in flowering time. Studies have shown that maize can adapt to different temperature regimes through genetic changes. For example, the Dwarf8 gene has been associated with flowering time variation under different temperature conditions (Camus-Kulandaivelu et al., 2006). Additionally, experimental evolution studies have demonstrated that selection for flowering time can lead to rapid adaptation to new temperature conditions (Figure 1) (Choquette et al., 2023). Water availability is another crucial factor for maize growth. Maize landraces in Mexico, for instance, have been shown to exhibit a wide range of adaptation to different precipitation levels, indicating their potential for use in breeding programs aimed at improving drought tolerance (Corral et al., 2008; Hellin et al., 2014). The amount of sunlight received by maize plants can also influence their growth and development. Studies have shown that maize can adapt to varying photoperiods, which is essential for its cultivation in different latitudes (Choquette et al., 2023).
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