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Study Reveals Potato's 9 Million-Year Evolutionary Journey

8/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking study published in Cell uncovers that the potato's ancestor dates back nine million years, having hybridized with tomatoes and Etuberosum plants. This genetic fusion sparked the development of tubers, a vital adaptation for thriving in the Andes, deepening our appreciation for the potato's evolutionary journey and its role as a global food staple.

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Story summary

A groundbreaking study published in Cell uncovers that the potato's ancestor dates back nine million years, having hybridized with tomatoes and Etuberosum plants. This genetic fusion sparked the development of tubers, a vital adaptation for thriving in the Andes, deepening our appreciation for the potato's evolutionary journey and its role as a global food staple.