<P> As the Archaic period progressed, cultivation of plant foods became increasingly important to the people of Mesoamerica . The reliability of cultivated plants allowed hunting and gathering micro-bands to establish permanent settlements and to increase in size . These larger settlements required a greater quantity of food, consequently leading to an even greater reliance on domesticated crops . Eventually, the Mesoamerican people established a sedentary lifestyle based on plant domestication and cultivation, supplemented with small game hunting . This sedentary lifestyle reliant on agriculture allowed permanent settlements to grow into villages and provided the opportunity for division of labor and social stratification . </P> <P> The most important plant in ancient Mesoamerica, is, unarguably, maize . Squash and beans are also important staples of the ancient Mesoamerican agricultural diet and along with maize, are often referred to as the "Three Sisters ." </P> <P> Richard S. MacNeish completed an extensive archaeological survey of Mesoamerica, during which he found the maize cobs in caves in Tehuacan, Puebla . It was originally suspected that these cobs date back to circa 5000 BC, however after radiocarbon dating it was determined that these finds date to 3500 BC . The earliest dated maize cob was discovered in Guilá Naquitz cave in Oaxaca and dates back to 4300 BC . Maize arrived at this point through the catastrophic sexual transmutation of Teosinte, the ancestor of maize . It became the single most important crop in all of Mesoamerica . Maize is storable for long periods of time, it can be ground into flour, and it easily turns into surplus for future use . Maize became vital to the survival of the people of Mesoamerica; this is reflected in their origin myths, artwork, and rituals . The Maize God is depicted throughout Mesoamerica in stone figurines, carvings on altars, and even on temples, further signifying the importance of maize to the Mesoamerican peoples . </P> <P> Another important crop in Mesoamerican agriculture is squash . Bruce D. Smith discovered evidence of domesticated squash (Cucurbita pepo), in Guilá Naquitz cave in Oaxaca . These finds date back to 8000 BC, the beginning of the Archaic period, and are related to today's pumpkin . Another important squash that was domesticated in the early Archaic period was the bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria). The bottle gourd provided storage space for collecting seeds for grinding or planting as well as a means of carrying water . Squashes provided an excellent source of protein to the ancient Mesoamericans, as well as to people today . </P>

One of the primary crops grown by the early inhabitants of the americas was