Question

Some of the hybrids are sterile because

• A. The extra chromosome cannot make a homologous pair at meiosis
• B. They have less cytoplasm
• C. They have less nucleoplasm
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

The extra chromosome cannot make a homologous pair at meiosis

Hybrid is produced as a result of mating between two animals or plants of different species, genera or breed and is also known as cross breed. When two animals or plants of different species within the same genus are crossed, it is called interspecific hybrids. For example, mule ( offspring of a male donkey and a female horse) and hinnies ( offspring of a female donkey and male horse) are some interspecific hybrids which are sterile. These hybrids cannot produce viable gametes because the extra chromosome cannot make a homologous pair at meiosis. Due to which the process (meiosis) is disrupted and viable sperm and eggs are not produced. So, the correct option is A.