Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 80-92 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 86 Another case study involves the Andean region of South America, where maize was present by approximately 3 000 years ago. Genetic studies of Andean maize show introgression from local teosinte populations, which likely contributed to its adaptation to high-altitude environments. Archaeological evidence from sites such as Huaca Prieta in Peru supports this, showing early agricultural terraces and irrigation systems that facilitated maize cultivation in these challenging environments (Dunn, 1979). 6.3 Benefits and challenges of interdisciplinary research in maize studies The integration of genetic and archaeological data in maize studies offers several benefits. It provides a holistic view of maize domestication and spread, combining genetic evidence of evolutionary changes with archaeological context. This interdisciplinary approach can reveal how ancient agricultural practices influenced genetic diversity and how genetic adaptations facilitated maize's spread to diverse environments. One significant benefit is the ability to cross-validate findings. Genetic data can confirm hypotheses generated from archaeological evidence and vice versa. For instance, genetic markers indicating drought tolerance in ancient maize can be linked to archaeological evidence of irrigation systems in arid regions, providing a fuller picture of ancient agricultural strategies (Aguirre-Liguori et al., 2016). However, integrating these data types also presents challenges. One major challenge is the difference in temporal resolution. Genetic data can provide continuous records over long periods, while archaeological evidence is often discrete and dependent on site preservation and excavation quality. Additionally, the spatial resolution of archaeological data can be limited to specific sites, whereas genetic data can cover broader geographical ranges. Another challenge is the interdisciplinary nature of the research, which requires collaboration between geneticists, archaeologists, and other specialists. Differences in methodologies, terminologies, and research priorities can complicate collaboration. Effective interdisciplinary research necessitates clear communication and a willingness to integrate diverse perspectives and techniques. Integrating genetic and archaeological data enriches our understanding of maize domestication and spread, offering comprehensive insights that neither discipline could achieve alone. Despite the challenges, the benefits of interdisciplinary research are substantial, providing a more detailed and accurate picture of maize's history and its impact on human societies. 7 Impacts of Maize Spread on Ancient Societies 7.1 Agricultural practices and societal changes driven by maize cultivation The introduction and widespread cultivation of maize had profound effects on agricultural practices and societal structures in ancient civilizations. Initially domesticated in southern Mexico, maize's adaptability to diverse climates and soils facilitated its spread to various regions, leading to significant agricultural innovations. The cultivation of maize required the development of new farming techniques, such as crop rotation and irrigation, which improved agricultural productivity and sustainability. In Mesoamerica, maize cultivation supported the growth of complex societies, including the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs. These civilizations developed advanced agricultural systems, including terracing and chinampas (floating gardens), which allowed them to cultivate maize in a variety of environmental conditions. The increased agricultural productivity from maize cultivation enabled population growth and urbanization, leading to the development of large, centralized states with sophisticated political and social structures (Tuxill et al., 2010; Hart and Lovis, 2013; Kistler et al., 2020). Maize also played a crucial role in the development of settled agricultural communities in the southwestern United States. The Ancestral Puebloans, for example, relied heavily on maize cultivation, which supported the establishment of permanent settlements and the construction of large, communal structures. These changes in agricultural practices and settlement patterns were directly linked to the introduction and expansion of maize agriculture (Doebley, 1990).
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