Domestication of Crop Plants and Centres of
Origin
Detailed Project Report (Chapters 1–3)
Submitted by: [Your Name]
B.Sc. Zoology & Botany (3rd Year)
Academic Project
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction .................................................... 2
Chapter 2: Concept and Process of Domestication .......... 5
Chapter 3: Theories of Domestication ............................. 9
Chapter 1: Introduction
Domestication is the evolutionary process by which wild species of plants are brought under human
management and modified through selection to suit agricultural needs. It involves a complex
interaction of biological, ecological, and cultural factors. The domestication of plants marked a
turning point in human history. Prior to agriculture, human societies relied on hunting and gathering.
The cultivation of plants allowed for the establishment of permanent settlements, population growth,
division of labor, and the eventual rise of civilizations.
Table 1.1: Archaeological Evidence of Domestication
Region Major Crops Domesticated
Fertile Crescent Wheat, Barley, Lentils, Chickpea
China Rice, Millet
Indus Valley Barley, Wheat, Cotton
Mesoamerica Maize, Beans, Squash
Andean Highlands Potato, Quinoa
Chapter 2: Concept and Process of Domestication
Domestication is not a single event but a continuous process. It involves morphological,
physiological, and genetic changes. The domestication syndrome includes traits like loss of seed
shattering, reduced dormancy, and increase in fruit/seed size. Stages of domestication typically
include: 1. Collection of wild plants. 2. Cultivation near settlements. 3. Selection of desirable traits.
4. Genetic fixation of traits across generations.
Schematic Diagram: Stages of Domestication
Wild Collection → Cultivation → Selection → Genetic Fixation
Chapter 3: Theories of Domestication
Several theories explain how domestication began: 1. Oasis Theory (V. Gordon Childe): Agriculture
started around water sources in arid regions. 2. Hilly Flanks Hypothesis (Braidwood): Domestication
began in natural habitats of wild ancestors. 3. Dump-Heap Hypothesis (Anderson): Agriculture
emerged from sprouting discarded seeds near settlements. 4. Modern Synthesis: Combines
archaeology, genetics, and anthropology to show multiple, independent domestication events.
Domestication is now seen as a complex, gradual process shaped by environmental changes,
human preferences, and cultural needs.
