Question

Interspecific hybridization is the mating of

• A. more closely related individuals within same breed for 4-6 generations
• B. animals within same breed without having common ancestors
• C. two different related species
• D. superior males and females of different breeds

Answer 1

The correct option is C two different related species

Selective mating of animals to produce offspring with desired qualities is called animal breeding.

It is of two types: inbreeding and out-breeding.

Inbreeding involves the mating of more closely related individuals (having common ancestors) within the same breed for 4- 6 generations.

Out-breeding involves mating of unrelated animals.

It is of three types:

Out-crossing: It is the mating of animals within the same breed, but having no common ancestors on either side of their pedigree up to 4-6 generations.

Cross-breeding: Cross-breeding is the process of crossing two different breeds (the breeds with superior traits) that belong to the same species so that a new breed can be obtained.

Interspecific hybridisation: In interspecific hybridisation, male and female animals of two different but related species are mated.

The offspring produced are usually sterile. Examples of related species are horse and donkey. Mule is an interspecific hybrid produced by crossing male donkey and a female horse.

Hence, option C is correct.