hybrid

hybrid, term applied by plant and animal breeders to the offspring of a cross between two different subspecies or species, and by geneticists to the offspring of parents differing in any genetic characteristic (see genetics). The mule, the hybrid steer, and hybrid corn are examples of hybrids produced by breeders, but some animal species may cross-breed in the wild, as the gray wolf and coyote sometimes do. Hybridization between cultivars or varieties is often used in agriculture to obtain greater vigor or growth (heterosis). Hybrid vigor is achieved by crossing two inbred strains (see breeding). The first generation shows greatly increased vigor and a better yield primarily because many genes for recessive, often deleterious, traits from one parent are masked by corresponding dominant genes in the other parent.

or hybrid vigor

Increase in such characteristics as size, growth rate, fertility, and yield of a hybrid organism over those of its parents. Plant and animal breeders exploit heterosis by mating two different purebred lines that have desirable traits. The first-generation offspring generally show, in greater measure, the desired characteristics of both parents. Since this vigour may decrease if the hybrids are actually mated together, the parental lines must be maintained and crossed for each new crop or group desired.

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Offspring of parents that differ in genetically determined traits (see genetics). The parents may be of two different species, genera, or (rarely) families. The terms “mongrel” and “crossbreed” refer usually to animals or plants resulting from a cross between two races, breeds, strains, or varieties of the same species. Because of basic biological incompatibilities, sterile hybrids (those that cannot produce living young) such as the mule (a hybrid between a jackass and a mare) commonly result from crosses between species. Some species hybrids, however, are fertile and can be sources for the formation of new species. Many economically or aesthetically important cultivated plants (e.g., bananas, coffee, peanuts, dahlias, roses, bread wheats, alfalfa, etc.) originated through natural or artificially induced hybridization. Hybridization is important biologically because it increases necessary genetic variation within a species.

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A hybrid is the combination of two or more different things, aimed at achieving a particular objective or goal. In different contexts this may refer to:

• In mythology and iconography
• Mythological hybrid, a creature combining body parts of two or more species

• In biology:
• Hybrid (biology), the offspring resulting from cross-breeding of different plants or animals.

• In etymology:
• Hybrid word, a word with mixed etymologies

• In transportation:
• Hybrid electric vehicle, a car that combines a gasoline engine with electric motors.
• Hybrid vehicle, a vehicle which uses a mixture of power or fuel sources

• In culture
• Hybrid (metal band), a Spanish extreme metal band
• Hybrid (producers), a British electronic music group
• Hybrid (album), an album by Michael Brook
• Hybrid (Gary Numan album), a remix album by Gary Numan
• Hybrid (DC Comics), a DC Comics supervillain group
• Hybrid (Marvel Comics), a name shared by two Marvel Comics characters
• Hybrid (role-playing game), a spoof role-playing game

• In computers and electronics:
• Hybrid coupler, a type of directional coupler used in radio and telecommunications
• Hybrid coil
• Telephone hybrid, an electronic circuit used in telephones

• In finance:
• Hybrid security, an economic vehicle that combines elements of debt and equity
• In sports:
• Hybrid (golf), a type of golf club

See also

• Hybridization