Final answer:
Corn was domesticated approximately 9,000 years ago in central Mexico, a key event in the early agricultural revolution. The closest answer to when corn was domesticated is C) 10,000 years ago.
Step-by-step explanation:
The domestication of corn, also known as maize, began approximately 9,000 years ago. The process started in central Mexico when people began cultivating the plant, selecting it for favorable traits such as larger ears and more fruits that are easier to open. This was a pivotal part of the agricultural revolution, marking a significant transformation in human history as societies transitioned from nomadic hunting and gathering to settled agricultural communities. Over time, other crops like beans, squash, and potatoes were also domesticated in the Americas.
The cultivation and domestication of teosinte, the wild ancestor of modern maize, eventually led to the corn we know today. This development was a part of early human advancements in agriculture and domestication of crops, which also included wheat, barley, rice, millet, soybeans, sorghum, and various other plants vital for the subsistence of ancient civilizations. The question asking how long ago was corn domesticated? can be answered with option C) 10,000 years ago, as it is the closest to the approximate 9,000-year timeframe established by archaeological and genetic evidence.