What is the outcome of hybrid infertility?

Hybrid infertility refers to a situation where the offspring produced from the mating of two different species (or distinct populations within a species) are unable to reproduce. This is often due to genetic incompatibilities or anomalies that arise during the development of the hybrid organism. In many cases, hybrids may be physically capable of surviving and reaching maturity, but they may exhibit reproductive barriers that prevent them from mating successfully or producing viable gametes.

The inability to reproduce diminishes the potential for hybrids to contribute to the gene pool of either parent species, effectively isolating them and sometimes leading to a reduction in their population over time. This phenomenon is commonly observed in various animal species, such as mules, which are hybrids of horses and donkeys and are typically sterile.

Other options don't accurately capture the essence of hybrid infertility. Some may suggest that hybrids can thrive in multiple environments or have high fertility rates, which generally contradicts the definition of hybrid infertility. The merging of hybrid populations also suggests a level of reproductive compatibility that is not characteristic of hybrid infertility. Therefore, the chosen outcome accurately reflects the fundamental characteristic of hybrid infertility.