Crop domestication is the process by which wild plants are cultivated and modified by humans for agricultural purposes. This involves selecting plants with desirable traits, such as larger seeds or better taste, and breeding them over generations. As a result, domesticated crops often differ significantly from their wild ancestors. The domestication of crops has played a crucial role in the development of human societies. It allowed for the establishment of permanent settlements and the growth of populations, as people could rely on a stable food supply. Key examples of domesticated crops include wheat, rice, and maize.