What crossbreeding creates a mule?

A mule is the hybrid offspring that results from breeding a jack (the male donkey) with a mare (the female horse). This combination is significant because mules inherit characteristics from both donkeys and horses, making them known for their strength, endurance, and intelligence.

The genetics behind this hybridization are fascinating; horses have 64 chromosomes, while donkeys have 62, resulting in mules having 63 chromosomes. This odd number of chromosomes leads to mules being sterile, which is a notable trait of this hybrid animal.

The other crossbreeding options listed do not produce a mule. For instance, breeding a stallion with a jenny would produce a type of donkey, specifically a hinny when the genders are reversed. Similarly, breeding a mare with a stallion or a donkey with a horse might yield offspring, but neither would result in a mule. Thus, the correct pairing that produces a mule is specifically between a jack and a mare.