A team of Chinese scientists has unveiled a continuous evolutionary history of rice, tracing its transformation from wild grass to domesticated crop over an astonishing 100,000-year period.
The groundbreaking study, published in the prestigious journal Science on Friday, not only illuminates the progression of human society and the origins of agricultural civilization but also presents compelling evidence that China is the birthplace of rice.
Rice, a staple food for more than half of the world’s population, has played a pivotal role in shaping civilizations, particularly in Asia. The domestication and cultivation of rice have significantly influenced the development of Chinese society, culture, and economy.
“Our research provides a comprehensive timeline of rice evolution, offering new insights into how early humans transitioned from foraging to farming,” said Dr. Zhang Wei, lead author of the study and a renowned geneticist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The team utilized advanced genomic sequencing techniques to analyze ancient rice samples collected from archaeological sites along the Yangtze River’s middle and lower valleys, including the well-known Hemudu and Shangshan sites. These areas have long been considered critical in understanding the origins of rice cultivation.
“The Yangtze River region served as a cradle for rice domestication,” Dr. Zhang explained. “Our findings indicate that early inhabitants of this area began interacting with wild rice species much earlier than previously thought.”
The study suggests that the gradual process of domestication spanned tens of thousands of years, with early humans selecting and cultivating rice varieties with desirable traits, such as larger grains and easier harvestability.
This extended timeline challenges previous theories that placed the domestication of rice at around 10,000 years ago. It highlights the complex interplay between humans and their environment, marking a significant milestone in the development of agricultural practices.
Experts believe that this research not only deepens our understanding of agricultural history but also has practical implications for modern rice cultivation and food security.
“By uncovering the genetic evolution of rice, we can better understand how to improve crop resilience and yield,” noted Professor Li Ming, an agricultural scientist not involved in the study. “This is crucial for feeding a growing global population amid changing climate conditions.”
The discovery reinforces China’s historical significance in agricultural innovation and emphasizes the importance of preserving and studying ancient crop species.
As researchers continue to explore the rich agricultural heritage of the Yangtze River basin, new findings may further illuminate how ancient practices have shaped the modern world.
Reference(s):
Study reveals 100,000-year evolution from wild to domesticated rice
cgtn.com
