Question

Interspecific hybridization is the mating of
A) Superior males and females of different breeds
B) More closely related individuals within same breed for 4-6 generations
C) Animals within the same breed without having common ancestors
D) Two different related species

Answer 1

Hint:The process of combining different types of organisms in order to create a hybrid is known as hybridisation.

Complete answer:
>Option a: The process of mating of superior males and females of different breeds is known as cross breeding and not interspecific hybridization. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
>Option b: The process of mating more closely related individuals within same breed for 4-6 generations
is known as interbreeding and not interspecific hybridization. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
>Option c: The process of mating animals within the same breed without having common ancestors
is known as outcrossing and not interspecific hybridization. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
>Option d: The process of mating two different related species is known as interspecific hybridization. In this offspring belong to the same genus but different species are chosen. The offspring produced after mating exhibits characteristics and traits of both the parents. But it is to be noted that the offspring produced is often sterile, i.e. it cannot reproduce. This helps in preventing gene flow between the species.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Note:The advantage of interspecific hybridization includes transfer of favourable traits to the hybrid and increasing its survival rate. But the disadvantage is that these organisms are generally sterile.