Remarkable News in Potatoes: They Evolved From Tomatoes
Remarkable News in Potatoes: They Evolved From Tomatoes
A new study reveals a surprising evolutionary origin for potatoes: they evolved from a hybrid of an ancient tomato and another plant from the Etuberosum group around 8-9 million years ago. This chance hybridization allowed the proto-potato to develop tubers, an organ neither parent possessed, enabling it to thrive in new environments and diversify into over 100 species. This finding challenges the traditional view of hybridization as an evolutionary dead end, highlighting its potential to create novel traits and successful new species.
Note
the proto-potato has entered my vocabulary.
and i'm gonna use it. maybe dip it in my proto-tomato sauce.
Published
2025
Summary
A new study reveals a surprising evolutionary origin for potatoes: they evolved from a hybrid of an ancient tomato and another plant from the Etuberosum group around 8-9 million years ago. This chance hybridization allowed the proto-potato to develop tubers, an organ neither parent possessed, enabling it to thrive in new environments and diversify into over 100 species. This finding challenges the traditional view of hybridization as an evolutionary dead end, highlighting its potential to create novel traits and successful new species.
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