Definition

1. Noun:
   • The phenomenon where a crossbred organism exhibits enhanced characteristics compared to its purebred parents: In genetics, hybrid vigor, also known as heterosis, describes the increased vigor, growth, fertility, or other superior traits often seen in the first-generation offspring of two genetically different parents or lines.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The remarkable size and disease resistance of the hybrid corn is a classic example of hybrid vigor.
  • Plant breeders rely on hybrid vigor to develop crops with higher yields.
  • The health and robustness of the mixed-breed dog were attributed to hybrid vigor.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Context: The term is primarily used in genetics, agriculture, and biology to describe a measurable, superior performance in F1 (first filial) generation hybrids.
  • The study aimed to quantify the hybrid vigor in the new tomato variety by comparing its fruit output to that of its parent strains.

Variants and Related Words

• Heterosis (n): The technical, scientific synonym for hybrid vigor.
  • Heterosis is a key concept in modern agricultural science.

Synonyms

• Heterosis: (The direct scientific synonym)
• Crossbred vigor: (A descriptive synonym, less common)

Noun

1. (genetics) the tendency of a crossbred organism to have qualities superior to those of either parent