Coca

** Coca ** **(**//**Erythroxylum coca)**//  **By: Kia Phoenix** 

__** Domestication: **__


 * Nancho Valley (7920-7950 cal BP)
 * Ayacucho Valley, Peru. (5250-2800 cal BP)
 * Evidence of use has been found in ceramic pots from the Valdivia culture in Coastal Ecuador
 * Also found in most cultures around South America such as Nazca, Moche, Tiwanaku, Chiribaya, and Ica cultures.

**Domestication**: Where/When  Include evidence of how we know this. Many plants were domesticated thousands of years ago. What evidence do scientists have of the origin of the plant? Is it the same today as it was originally? What is significant about the site where the plant was domesticated in terms of geography of the area (rivers, climate), the culture of the people...? How was the plant originally used? Is it's use today different?

**Biology:** Type of plant, what part of the plant do we use, what is its life cycle and cultural requirements. Does it have a relationship with specific insects (pests or partners) that could impact its success?

**Human/Plant relationship**: How has the plant evolved to be of importance to humans? How important is it to our survival/success? How different is today's version of the plant from its ancestor?

**Refection:** In a paragraph I want you to describe what you learned and what you wonder about plants and humans.  Consider the following in your reflection: How does understanding about this plants and its history relate to your life in a global community? Comment on humans and their control over nature. How has our society's experience of food changed? Provide two questions for further study.

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