Britannica Sources used in this answer

Which plants and animals were domesticated in the Andes?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Farm in Saskatchewan — Origins of agriculture Harvesting wheat on a farm in the grain belt near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. A potash mine appears in the distant background.

In the Andes, the domestication of plants and animals was essential to supporting high-altitude populations.

Domesticated Animals

Andean peoples domesticated two species of camelids:
* Llama: Valued for their versatility, they could thrive at various altitudes ranging from sea level to high mountain regions.1
* Alpaca: These animals were specifically adapted to high-altitude, swampy ranges above 13,000 feet.1
* Guinea pig: Also known as the cavy, this animal was an important economic resource and was likely domesticated by 7000 bp.2

Domesticated Plants

Andean agriculture relied on a variety of crops, many of which were developed to withstand harsh, high-altitude environments:
* Tubers: The potato is the most prominent, though many other varieties were cultivated to maximize soil nutrients and frost resistance.12
* Grains and Legumes: Quinoa was harvested by 7500 bp. Both the lima bean and the common bean were domesticated in the southern Andes.2
* Other Crops: Cotton was cultivated by 6000 bp. While crops like squash and peanuts have been found in highland sites, they were likely introduced in their domesticated form from the lowlands.2