Plant scientists are searching peru, mexico and the middle east for the wild ancestors of potatoes,corn,?

Question

plant scientists are searching peru, mexico and the middle east for the wild ancestors of potatoes,corn, and wheat. why is this search is important?

please help me. thankyou

Answer 1

All the places and crops that you have mentioned are strongly related to each other as they are the spots where these species have originated i.e.

Potato-Peru

Corn-Mexico

Wheat-Middle east

Now it is important to find the wild type ancestors of the species as it would provide unique insights into the pattern of evolution of these species. what were the features that were present in the ancestor that helped it being selected for evolution (like the ancestor of corn: tiosinte looks nothing like corn)and in turn provide answers for other species. Also it will help maintain the original germplasm.

Answer 2

To find varieties that can stand up to pests and diseases.