Final answer:
Maize is the most vulnerable to increased temperatures among the staple food crops listed. It is sensitive to heat during its critical growth periods, which can lead to significant yield losses. Climate change and regional temperature increases can impact which crops are more viable, as seen with the profitability shift from wheat to corn in North Dakota.
Step-by-step explanation:
Of the staple food crops mentioned, maize (c) is considered to be the most vulnerable to the effects of increased temperatures. Maize is sensitive to high temperatures at critical periods of its growth cycle. Research indicates that even small rises in temperature during the flowering period can result in yield losses. Wheat, rice, and barley, while also affected by high temperatures, tend to be slightly more resilient compared to maize. Elevated temperatures can lead to drought conditions, like the one experienced in the Manchurian Plain in Northeastern China, which severely impacts crop production and supply.
It's also important to consider how climate change is affecting regional agriculture. In North Dakota, for example, warmer temperatures have extended the growing season, making corn production more profitable than wheat production, even in areas traditionally too cold for corn. This shift reflects the broader impact of climate change on agricultural practices.
Crops engineered to withstand harsh conditions are in development to address these vulnerabilities, but as of now, maize stands out as the most susceptible to heat among the crops listed.