Evolution of Corn

bioplastics:

a group of plastics made from biological materials, such as plant starches, cellulose, oils, or protein

bushel:

a unit of measurement used in U.S. agriculture that is equivalent to a volume of 64 pints, but is generally standardized by weight for different products; a bushel of wheat weighs 60 lbs., a bushel of corn weighs 56 lbs.

combine:

a corn and grain harvester machine that strips the ears from the stalks and calculates water content; it is modified to work as it moves across the field

compostable:

capable of breaking down through the actions of living organisms in specific conditions to a defined outcome; generally, the conditions are moist, warm, and aerobic, and the end product is non-toxic compost that can enhance soil and support plant growth

crop:

a cultivated or raised plant that is grown as food, especially a grain, fruit, or vegetable

crop yield:

the standard measurement of the amount harvested, typically used for grains and cereal; crop yield is measured in bushels and tons

ethanol:

a colorless flammable liquid that is produced when natural sugars breakdown

export:

to send goods to another country for sale

fertilizer:

a natural or artificial substance containing nutrients that support plant growth

grits:

boiled cornmeal

herbicide:

a chemical used to kill unwanted plants

kernel:

the fruit of the corn, called maize in many countries

polenta:

shuck:

an outer covering, such as a husk or pod; especially the husk of an ear of corn