Question

Interspecific crosses are rare in nature and intergeneric crosses almost unknown. Why?

Answer 1

Interspecific crosses are rare:

Interspecific cross or hybridization refers to the mating of male and female from different but related species to produce hybrid offspring with desirable traits. As members of a species are reproductively isolated from the members of another species, interspecific hybridization is rare in nature and is conducted artificially. The offspring produced are always sterile.

Intergeneric crosses are unknown:

Intergeneric cross refers to the mating of two organisms from different genera but belonging to the same family. Intergeneric crosses are almost unknown as such crosses are not possible in nature due to incompatibility of the gametes. Such a cross is likely to produce offspring that are genetically unstable and have low chances of survival. Even if such a cross is artificially achieved the offspring produced are always sterile, e.g, zonkey produced by cross between a zebra and monkey.