Photo AI
Explain the term hybrid vigour - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question b - 2009
Question b
Explain the term hybrid vigour. Mention two plant or animal examples that show hybrid vigour.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain the term hybrid vigour - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question b - 2009
Step 1
Explain the term hybrid vigour.
Answer
Hybrid vigour, also known as heterosis, refers to the phenomenon where the offspring produced by crossing two genetically dissimilar parents exhibit superior traits compared to either parent. This can include advantages in growth rate, yields, resistance to diseases, and overall fitness. The underlying biological mechanism is thought to be the increased genetic diversity, which enhances the likelihood of advantageous gene combinations.
Step 2
Mention two plant or animal examples that show hybrid vigour.
Answer
- Corn (Maize): Hybrid corn varieties are commonly used in agriculture because they display significantly higher yields than their parent strains due to hybrid vigour.
- Mules: The offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, mules benefit from hybrid vigour, demonstrating greater strength and endurance compared to their parent species.