A cross between a male horse and female donkey results in the reproduction of a mule, which does not resemble either of the parents. What is the reason for this? A) The genetic code of the mule is similar to the parents due to sexual reproduction. B) The genetic code of the mule is similar to the parents due to asexual reproduction. C) The genetic code of the mule is different from the parents due to sexual reproduction. D) The genetic code of the mule is different from the parents due to asexual reproduction.

Answer

The correct option is C.

Reason

The gentic code of mule is different from the parents due to sexual reproduction. As mule is the offspring of a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare).

Chromosome number

The diploid number of chromosome in horse is 64 while its reproductive cell contain haploid number of chromosome that is 32. Similarly the diploid number of chromosome in donkey is 62 and its reproductive cells contain haploid chromosome that is 31.

Sexual reproduction

During sexual reproduction when male donkey is crossed with female donkey a mule is formed having diploid number of 63 chromosome which is completely different from the genome of their parents.