Myrmecia pilosula was originally described as a single species, however, after closer examination, it was determined to consists of several distinct, closely related, physically similar species. Females have chromosome numbers of 2, 18, 20, 32, 48, 60, 62, and 64. Assume that a cross is made between a female of species (A) with 48 chromosomes and a male species (B) with 10 chromosomes (males are haploid and transmit all their chromosomes to each sperm cell). How many chromosomes would be expected in the somatic cells of the hybrid female offspring?

The correct answer is "34".

Explanation:

The ant Myrmecia pilosula is a special case of sexual reproduction, where the females produce gamete cells with half the chromosomes of the somatic cells and the males are haploids that transmit the whole number of chromosomes in their gametes. Therefore, the somatic cells of the hybrid female offspring that results from the cross of a female ant with 48 chromosomes and a male with 10 chromosomes would have 34 chromosomes. This result from half the number of chromosomes of the female (24) plus the total number of chromosomes of the male (10).

hi~~

i would say that hybridization occurs frequently in nature, because there are many types of hybrids that have occurred naturally, such as the mule (male donkey + female horse)