noun
- Organisms or cells that contain two complete sets of chromosomes from two different species, typically resulting from hybridization followed by chromosome doubling.
Usage: biology; genetics; plural form of amphiploid
Examples
- Amphiploids are important in plant breeding because they combine traits from both parent species.
- The wheat species is an example of amphiploids that arose through natural hybridization and chromosome doubling.
- Scientists created amphiploids in the laboratory to study hybrid vigor and genetic stability.
- Amphiploids often exhibit greater fertility than their hybrid parents due to proper chromosome pairing during meiosis.
- Many crop plants, including cotton and tobacco, are amphiploids that have been selected for agricultural use.