Final answer:
A mule is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. They have 63 chromosomes, with traits from both parents. Mules are sterile, but hinnies can sometimes be fertile.
Step-by-step explanation:
A mule is the result of mating between a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare). Mules have a diploid chromosome count of 63, with 31 chromosomes from the horse and 32 chromosomes from the donkey. The resulting hybrid offspring, the mule, combines traits from both the horse and donkey parents. Mules are known for their strength, endurance, and ability to navigate rocky terrains, making them valuable work animals. It is important to note that while mules are sterile and cannot reproduce, hinnies,
which are the result of mating between a male horse (stallion) and a female donkey (jenny), can sometimes be fertile. Mules are hybrids resulting from the breeding of a female horse (mare) and a male donkey (jack). Conversely, a hinny is the offspring of a female donkey (jennet) and a male horse (stallion)