Maize

[Minimalist]

I suspect they found the original of some use, and exploited random mutations as they came along. (Beer comes to mind.)

I don't know.


It's a long way from Teosinte to Maize!



You not only have to factor in the obvious changes from one to the other but do it against a back drop of an average life expectancy of 25-28 years and understand that these were subsistence farmers who had to eat while they were doing it.  Scientists have pretty much ruled out a natural process.  But it is mind boggling to think of these people following a multi-generational project while trying to survive at the same time.

And, no.  There was no fucking god involved.  I doubt the religitards would credit Viracocha anyway.