The diploid number of chromosomes in horses (Equus ferus) is 64 and the diploid number in donkeys (Equus africanus) is 62. When a male donkey and a female horse are mated, the result is a mule which has 63 chromosomes. State the haploid number for horses. Explain reasons that mules cannot reproduce. Discuss whether or not horses and donkeys should be placed in the same species

haploid number for horses= 32

Mules are sterile as their chromosomes do not pair up during meiosis.

No, horses and donkey should not be placed in the same species.

Explanation:

The diploid number of chromosomes for horses is 64. Therefore their haploid number would be 64/2= 32.

Mules have chromosomes from a male donkey and female horses. Since donkeys and horses are from different species, their chromosomes do not pair up during meiosis. The pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis is required for formation of gametes with a normal number of chromosomes. Failure of the pairing of chromosomes during gamete formation in mules makes them sterile.

Since hybrid produced by mating between horses and donkey are sterile, these two animals do not belong to the same species. Organisms of the same species produce fertile and viable progeny by mating.

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