Ancient versus modern distribution of cultivated plants (original) (raw)

The paper discusses the distribution of cultivated plants and the origins of agriculture in ancient America compared to Eurasia. It argues that agriculture in America was developed independently and autochthonously, with complex civilizations emerging based on unique native species rather than through diffusion from Eurasia. The importance of geographical centers in the development of early civilizations and agriculture is highlighted, along with the conclusion that many native plant species in America differ significantly from those of the Old World.