A groundbreaking study by Chinese scientists has traced the remarkable 100,000-year evolution of rice from its wild ancestors to the domesticated staple we rely on today.
Published this Friday in the prestigious journal Science, the research sheds new light on the progression of human society and the origins of agricultural civilization. The findings present compelling evidence that China is the birthplace of rice, highlighting the region's pivotal role in shaping one of the world's most important crops.
Rice cultivation has been a cornerstone of billions of diets worldwide and has significantly influenced the development of Chinese civilization. The study delves into how early humans began cultivating wild rice, detailing the evolutionary journey that transformed it into the cultivated strains we recognize today.
Archaeological discoveries at sites like Hemudu and Shangshan in the middle and lower valleys of the Yangtze River, uncovered since the 1970s, have been instrumental in understanding this evolution. These sites underscore the Yangtze River region's critical role as a cradle for rice cultivation, offering invaluable insights into the agricultural practices of ancient societies.
Scholars from various academic fields continue to explore the intricate relationship between rice cultivation and societal development, fascinated by how this simple grain has shaped human history over millennia.
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Study reveals 100,000-year evolution from wild to domesticated rice
cgtn.com
