Which of the following is considered the wild ancestor of maize?

The wild ancestor of maize is teosinte, a group of grass species native to Mexico and Central America. Teosinte differs significantly from modern maize in appearance and genetic makeup, but extensive studies have demonstrated that it is the progenitor from which maize was domesticated. The process of domestication involved selective breeding by ancient peoples, who chose traits that made the plants more desirable for consumption, leading to the maize we know today.

Other options like rice, barley, and wheat represent different species of grains that are not directly related to maize's lineage. Rice is primarily associated with Asian agriculture, while barley and wheat are staple crops in European and Middle Eastern regions. Understanding teosinte's role as maize's ancestor illustrates the significant impact of human agricultural practices on plant evolution and the domestication processes that have shaped food production throughout history.