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New research reveals that potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) originated from an interbreeding event between tomato and Etuberosum lineages 8-9 million years ago. This hybridization resulted in the evolution of tubers, a key trait enabling potatoes to thrive in the Andes. Analysis of 128 plant genomes pinpointed specific genes inherited from both lineages, explaining the development of this crucial characteristic. The study, published in Cell, sheds light on potato origins and the role of interbreeding in species evolution.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.