Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Heterosis, or hybrid vigor, describes the increased strength, size, or rate of growth shown by crossbred plants and animals compared to their parents.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- The geneticist George Harrison Shull first introduced the term "heterosis" in 1914.
- He proposed this term to replace "heterozygosis" and describe the physiological vigor observed in $F_1$ hybrids.
- Shull's work on corn inbred lines and their subsequent crossings laid the foundation for modern commercial hybrid seed production.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The term "heterosis" was coined and first used by G.H. Shull.