Heterosis

:Heterotic string theory is a field of physics.

Related Topics:
Heterotic string - Physics

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Heterosis is increased strength of different characteristics in hybrids; the possibility to obtain a "better" individual by combining the virtues of its parents.

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This is commonly known as hybrid vigor. It is an observable phenomenon in which a hybrid plant or animal may exhibit greater strength, health or faster rate of growth than its parents. The term often causes controversy, particularly in terms of domestic animals, because it is sometimes believed that all crossbred plants or animals are better than their parents; this is untrue. Rather, when a hybrid is seen to be superior to its parents, this is known as hybrid vigor. Heterosis is an example of heterozygous advantage.

Related Topics:
Domestic animal - Crossbred - Heterozygous advantage

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It may also happen that a hybrid inherits and exhibits the worst qualities of each of its parents, or is inferior to each.

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One study suggests that hybrid vigor may be associated with increased intelligence in humans. Nagoshi and Johnson (1986) found that children of Japanese-Caucasian cross-ethnic matings scored .26 SD higher on several cognitive tests than those from within-ethnic matings, despite having virtually identical parental educational and occupational backgrounds (p. 204). The increase in scores tended to be higher on cognitive tests that were more g-loaded, suggesting that hybrid vigor improves g. To become more reliable, the study would have to match the intelligence averages of the parents as well as compute the intelligence scores of their children. Mingroni (2004) has argued that heterosis may be partially responsible for the Flynn effect.

Related Topics:
Intelligence - SD - G-loaded - Flynn effect

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