Recent research reveals that avocados were cultivated in Honduras over 7,500 years ago, highlighting early agricultural practices. Humans managed wild avocado trees, enhancing their characteristics for consumption before modern crops were introduced. Avocados originated in central Mexico around 400,000 years ago, initially spread by megafauna, which later became extinct. This extinction led to the decline of avocado range until humans began cultivating them, recognizing their nutritional value as a vital food source, and preserving their lineage for future generations.
Avocado domestication began over 7,500 years ago in Honduras, emphasizing that early human agricultural practices involved managing wild trees before planting crops.
Originally, avocados were dispersed by megafauna and diversified into three species, but human cultivation became necessary after mass extinctions reduced their range.
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