Question

Identify one example of an interspecific hybrid that does not produce fertile offspring (e.g., mule, Equus mulus).

a) Liger (lion x tiger)
b) Zorse (zebra x horse)
c) Wolfdog (wolf x dog)
d) Hinny (horse x donkey)

Answer 1

A Liger is an example of an interspecific hybrid that does not produce fertile offspring, an instance of postzygotic reproductive isolation.

Step-by-step explanation:

One example of an interspecific hybrid that does not produce fertile offspring is the Liger (a cross between a lion and a tiger). Interspecific hybrids like the liger often display hybrid vigor, with many desirable physical attributes, but typically do not have the ability to produce offspring themselves due to genetic incompatibilities. This is an instance of postzygotic reproductive isolation, where two species can mate and produce hybrid offspring, but the hybrids are infertile. In contrast, prezygotic barriers, such as two species of flowers attracting different pollinators or two species of birds displaying different mating dances, prevent fertilization from occurring in the first place and hence no hybrid is produced.