Science Reveals the Surprising Origins of the Potato

The article reveals the surprising origins of the modern potato. Potatoes, a staple food in many parts of the world, are the result of a hybridization that occurred 9 million years ago between two plants. One of these plants was an ancestor of the tomato. The article suggests that the potato's lineage can be traced back to a cross between these two plants, which led to the development of the potato as we know it today. This evolutionary process has resulted in the potato becoming a widely cultivated and consumed crop, playing a significant role in global food production and consumption. The findings presented in the article provide new insights into the historical and scientific origins of this important food source, challenging the conventional understanding of the potato's development. The article highlights the intricate and fascinating story behind the evolution of one of the world's most widely consumed vegetables.