Final answer:
Maize, known as corn, is an obligatory cultigen that was selectively bred from teosinte, shares the same species, and is a vital example of a Seed-Crop.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maize, also known as corn, is not just a staple crop but a plant with a rich history of cultivation and genetic modification. Maize (Zea mays) is an annual grass crop species that relies on human cultivation for survival and is indeed an obligatory cultigen. Its closest wild relative is teosinte, a grass from which maize was bred. Despite teosinte's different appearance, recent research shows that maize and teosinte are the same species and readily interbreed. The differences in morphology between them are due to changes in a small number of genes, confirming that maize is indeed an example of a successful Seed-Crop that was selectively bred over thousands of years by indigenous peoples of what is now Mexico.
Today, maize is a global staple featuring in diverse diets and is used in a multitude of industrial applications. The significance of maize is underscored by its status as the most important staple for both human and animal consumption, not to mention its various uses in industries such as plastics and fuel. Recognizing its origins as a native grass selectively bred to produce an abundant and more manageable seed, we can appreciate maize as an extraordinary example of an ancient biotechnological achievement and a vital modern crop.