Who are the parents of a mule?

Options

A. Two mules
B. A female ass and a bull
C. A male ass and a mare
D. A female ass and a male horse

Answer

To answer the question "Who are the parents of a mule?", we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Mule**: A mule is a hybrid animal. It is important to know that mules are not a separate species but rather a crossbreed.

2. **Identifying the Parents**: The parents of a mule are specifically a male donkey (also known as an ass) and a female horse.

3. **Crossbreeding Process**: When a male donkey mates with a female horse, the resulting offspring is called a mule. This process is known as crossbreeding.

4. **Characteristics of Mules**: Mules are typically sterile, meaning they cannot reproduce. This is due to the difference in the number of chromosomes between the two parent species.

5. **Chromosome Count**: Donkeys have 62 chromosomes, while horses have 64 chromosomes. When these two animals breed, the resulting mule has an intermediate chromosome count, which leads to complications during reproduction, making them sterile.

6. **Utilization of Mules**: Mules are often used for various purposes, such as work animals, due to their strength and endurance.

### Final Answer:
The parents of a mule are a male donkey and a female horse.

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