What are Mule, Tigon, Liger, Hinny ?

Options

A. (a) Species
B. (b) Sub species
C. (c) Hybrids
D. (d) Categories

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Hybrids**: Mule, Tigon, Liger, and Hinny are all examples of hybrids. Hybrids are organisms that result from the mating of two different species or subspecies, typically through a process called hybridization.

2. **Process of Hybridization**: Hybridization involves the fertilization of an egg from a female organism with the sperm from a male organism, often conducted in vitro (outside the body). This results in a new organism that possesses traits from both parents.

3. **Identification of Each Hybrid**:
- **Mule**: A mule is the offspring of a female horse (mare) and a male donkey (jack). Mules are known for their strength and endurance.
- **Tigon**: A tigon is the hybrid resulting from the mating of a male tiger and a female lion. Tigons exhibit traits from both parent species.
- **Liger**: A liger is produced when a male lion mates with a female tiger. Ligers are typically larger than both parent species and have characteristics of both.
- **Hinny**: A hinny is the offspring of a male horse (stallion) and a female donkey (jenny). Like mules, hinnies are also sterile and cannot reproduce.

4. **Sterility of Hybrids**: One of the key characteristics of these hybrids is that they are usually sterile, meaning they cannot reproduce. This is a significant disadvantage of hybrids, as they cannot produce a next generation.

5. **Classification**: Hybrids do not fall under the traditional definition of a species, which is a group of organisms that can potentially interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Therefore, mules, tigons, ligers, and hinnies are classified as hybrids rather than species or subspecies.

### Summary:
Mules, tigons, ligers, and hinnies are hybrids formed through the mating of different species. They inherit traits from both parents but are typically sterile and cannot reproduce.

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