Why are hybrid animals different depending on which parent is from which species ?
In: Biology
An excellent example is big cat hybrids, such the Liger (m tiger x f lion) versus the Tigon (f tiger x m lion) which look very different despite both being Lion-Tiger hybrids. The Liger has stripes over tan skin and is massive. Significantly larger than its tiger (the largest big cat) parent. The Tigon however, isn’t as large and has more pronounced stripes. It also has head spots and a mane. If one managed to see both in the wild, they’d easily be mistaken for different species. And in a very concrete since, they are different species.
A Liger and a Tigon will not be able to produce offspring. However a male and female Tigon can sometimes produce viable offspring together. Same for a male and female Liger. So it’s not hybrid sterility. They are essentially their own distinct animals.
In other kinds of hybrids, both variations might simply be sterile altogether and just be one-offs. Or they may not be able produce viable offspring with either parent species or with others of the same hybridization because of chromosomal issues. But sometimes you just get a brand new species that can successfully reproduce even if they only exists in captivity.
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