The production of sterile mules by interbreeding between female horses (mares) and male donkeys (jacks) is an example of ________.
A) reduced hybrid viability
B) hybrid breakdown
C) reduced hybrid fertility
D) mechanical isolation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The production of sterile mules by interbreeding between female horses (mares) and male donkeys (jacks) is an example of reduced hybrid fertility. Mules are sterile because they cannot produce gametes due to differences in their chromosome numbers. This is an example of reduced hybrid fertility, as the hybrid offspring can survive but is infertile. Reduced hybrid viability refers to the failure of hybrid offspring to survive, hybrid breakdown refers to the decreased viability and/or fertility of the offspring in subsequent generations, and mechanical isolation refers to physical barriers preventing mating.

The Production of Sterile Mules by Interbreeding Between Female Horses