Heterosis

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Heterosis

Heterosis (pronunciation: /hɛtəˈroʊsɪs/), also known as hybrid vigor or outbreeding enhancement, is a phenomenon in genetics where the offspring's genetic traits are superior to those of its parents. The term was coined by George Harrison Shull in 1914.

Etymology

The term "Heterosis" is derived from the Greek words "hetero-", meaning different, and "-osis", meaning condition. It was first used in the context of genetics by George Harrison Shull.

Explanation

Heterosis refers to the increased strength of different characteristics in hybrids; the possibility to obtain a genetically superior individual by combining the virtues of its parents. Heterosis is often used in plant breeding and animal breeding to produce hybrids that have improved yield or other desirable traits.

Related Terms

  • Hybrid (biology): The offspring resulting from combining the qualities of two organisms of different breeds, varieties, species or genera through sexual reproduction.
  • Inbreeding: The production of offspring from the mating or breeding of individuals or organisms that are closely related genetically.
  • Crossbreeding: The process of breeding an animal with purebred parents of two different breeds, varieties, or populations.
  • Genetic Variation: The difference in DNA among individuals or the differences between populations.

See Also

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski