Here's what 9,000 years of breeding has done to corn, peaches, and other crops

[Captain Obvious]

http://www.vox.com/2014/10/15/6982053/selective-breeding-farming-evolution-corn-watermelon-peaches

http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lQYSXT2Z1-Mqw027gFRcXLVnJMg=/800x0/filters:no_upscale%28%29/cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2357022/artificial-natural-corn1.0.png
http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NBR_H3Bn3EXgnGlTtCfcB2bywcU=/800x0/filters:no_upscale%28%29/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2357408/artificial-natural-watermelon1.0.png
http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I-YkXvcthklcKEntOfF2h02MOIg=/800x0/filters:no_upscale%28%29/cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2357882/artificial-natural-peach2.0.png

[Polecat]

Genetic manipulation; old school.

[Mister D]

If corn had not been cultivated and manipulated it's likely that the great Mesoamerican civilizations could not have arisen.

[Polecat]

If corn had not been cultivated and manipulated it's likely that the great Mesoamerican civilizations could not have arisen.

They did a lot with potatoes and beans too.

[Mister D]

They did a lot with potatoes and beans too.

Sure. Chilis, cacao, and other foodstuffs as well but corn was to their cultures what wheat and other cereals are to European cultures (i.e. the staple).

[nathanbforrest45]

If corn had not been cultivated and manipulated it's likely that the great Mesoamerican civilizations could not have arisen.


We also would never have had great moonshine.

[Captain Obvious]

On a side note, it's ironically noteworthy that according to this pictorial watermelon is native to Africa.

[Mister D]

On a side note, it's ironically noteworthy that according to this pictorial watermelon is native to Africa.

Frying originated there too. How's that for irony? :grin:

[Redrose]

If corn had not been cultivated and manipulated it's likely that the great Mesoamerican civilizations could not have arisen.


We learned in school that societies in the north, Scandinavia, etc. were big meat eaters and developed larger, taller, stronger bodies. Societies in other regions, South America, for example, ate more grains and veggies, and remained smaller in stature. It was a good course, I wish I could remember more of what was discussed.

[Mister D]

We learned in school that societies in the north, Scandinavia, etc. were big meat eaters and developed larger, taller, stronger bodies. Societies in other regions, South America, for example, ate more grains and veggies, and remained smaller in stature. It was a good course, I wish I could remember more of what was discussed.

That makes sense.

[Perianne]

I like corn. And watermelon.

[donttread]

If corn had not been cultivated and manipulated it's likely that the great Mesoamerican civilizations could not have arisen.

But the sustainable hunter gatherers would of been just fine

[Captain Obvious]

I like corn. And watermelon.

Don't like peaches?

[Perianne]

Don't like peaches?

I like peaches, too. And broccoli. Oh my gosh how I love broccoli!

[Polecat]

The list of food I don't like is pretty short.

[Mister D]

But the sustainable hunter gatherers would of been just fine


If by fine you mean illiterate, sure.