Allopolyploidy

Allopolyploidy is a process where two different species of plants or animals combine their genetic material through hybridization, and then the resulting hybrid undergoes chromosome duplication. This leads to a new, stable organism with a complete set of chromosomes from each parent species. This process creates a new species that is reproductively isolated from the original ones and often results in plants with greater size, vigor, or adaptability. Allopolyploidy is an important mechanism in the evolution and diversification of many plant species, contributing to biodiversity and agricultural innovation.