Horses and donkeys mate successfully to produce mules,which are always sterile.Which genetic isolating mechanism is involved here to prevent horses and donkeys from becoming a single species?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hybrid infertility is the genetic isolating mechanism involved in preventing horses and donkeys from becoming a single species. Mules, which are the result of the mating of horses and donkeys, are always sterile because they have an odd number of chromosomes, making it difficult for them to produce gametes with the correct chromosome number to create viable offspring. Therefore, the hybrid offspring are unable to reproduce, acting as a barrier to gene flow and preventing the two species from merging into a single species. Behavioral isolation, mechanical isolation, and gametic isolation are not relevant to this scenario.

Horses and Donkeys Mate Successfully to Produce Mules,which Are Always