Final answer:
Maize agriculture became common in Mesoamerica due to climate and soil conditions, while it had minor importance in South America due to different climate zones and varied topography.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maize agriculture became very common in Mesoamerica as it was a well-suited crop for the region's climate and soil conditions. The warm and humid environment and fertile soil provided the ideal conditions for maize cultivation. In contrast, South America had different climate zones and varied topography, which made it less suitable for widespread maize agriculture. Instead, South America developed a diverse range of agricultural practices, including the cultivation of crops such as potatoes and quinoa.