The artificial combination of genetic material from two or more distinct species (which would not normally interbreed) to create a novel hybrid organism. This goes beyond traditional cross-breeding to direct genetic engineering, potentially mixing animal, plant, and even microbial traits. Goals could range from creating crops with extreme drought resistance (by adding cactus genes) to speculative "chimera" animals for labor or companionship, raising serious ethical and ecological containment questions.
Genetic Hybridization Example: Scientists have created Genetic Hybridizations like "glowing plants" by inserting firefly luciferase genes. A speculative example is engineering a "Vacuum Hog," a hybrid organism for Mars with a lichen's hardiness, a pig's efficient digestion, and a plant's gas exchange to process regolith into soil inside a pressurized dome.
by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 3, 2026
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