heterosis

/hɛtəˈroʊsɪs/

Definitions

1. noun

The phenomenon by which a hybrid organism is superior in fitness and vigor to its parent organisms, resulting from the combination of different genetic traits.

“The farmers were amazed by the heterosis exhibited in the hybrid crops that yielded higher yields than their parent species.”

Synonyms

  • hybrid vigor
  • outbreeding

Antonyms

  • heterozygous disadvantage
  • inbreeding depression