What is the typical chromosome count found in a domestic donkey parent?
Answer
62 chromosomes
A standard domestic donkey possesses 62 chromosomes. This specific number is crucial because when it mates with a zebra, which carries either 44 or 46 chromosomes depending on the species, the resulting offspring inherits an uneven contribution: 31 from the donkey and 22 or 23 from the zebra. This resultant total count, such as 53 or 54, is irregular and uneven. The irregularity is the fundamental biological mechanism that leads to the hybrid's sterility, as it prevents the necessary process of meiosis, where chromosomes must pair correctly to form viable reproductive cells (gametes) like sperm or eggs.
Related Questions
What is the blanket term for any hybrid resulting from a zebra mating with another equine species?What is the typical chromosome count found in a domestic donkey parent?Why are zonkeys unable to produce fertile offspring, such as eggs or sperm?Where are the inherited zebra stripes typically most concentrated on a zonkey's body?What body structure does the zonkey hybrid generally tend to exhibit?In creation science literature, what concept does the zonkey's existence illustrate regarding the zebra and donkey?From an evolutionary biology standpoint, what does the successful creation of a zonkey confirm?What is the specific pairing that results in the hybrid offspring designated as a zonkey?What key factor necessitates specialized care considerations for a zonkey compared to a purebred donkey?If a zebra contributes 22 chromosomes, what is the resulting total chromosome count range for the zonkey hybrid?