heterotic
- adjective
- /ˌhɛtəˈrɒtɪk/
- Specialized
- The heterotic corn variety produced higher yields than either of its parent strains.
Examples
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Plant breeders aim to develop heterotic hybrids for improved agricultural performance.
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Researchers observed that heterotic animals often have greater resistance to disease.
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The heterotic traits in these plants result in greater yields.
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Researchers are studying heterotic combinations to improve crop resistance.
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The heterotic corn variety produced higher yields than either of its parent strains.
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Researchers observed that heterotic animals often have greater resistance to disease.
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Plant breeders aim to develop heterotic hybrids for improved agricultural performance.
How Vigorous
Surface Forms
Morphology
heterotic = heterosis (semi-transparent) = hetero + tic
The connection to 'heterosis' is clear, but the meaning of 'heterotic' as an adjective for hybrid vigor is not fully predictable without biological context.
Etymology
Heterotic comes from the Greek prefix hetero- meaning 'different'. In biology and farming, a heterotic hybrid is a cross from different parents that often gives extra strength or higher yield, so heterotic plants or animals are stronger because they are from different varieties.