Anthropology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 5

Anthropology - Essay Example The main reason why mating between different species is not encouraged is because the resulting offspring is usually not as fit as the parent species. However, this is not always the case if we take an example of the ancient man where the Homo sapiens and the Homo erectus interbred to produce viable offspring with a higher brain capacity (Douglas). Reproductive isolation mechanisms that exist make some individuals incapable of fertile interbreeding. This occurs when the interbreeding leads to offspring that are not viable. The word capable here means that the organisms are free and willing to mate naturally to reproduce. It is true that the anatomy of many organisms qualifies their ability or inability to mate. However, if there is no reproductive isolation, organisms of different species are capable of fertile interbreeding. The dog and the wolf are both from the same group, Canis, and they have the capability and desire to interbreed because they are closely related and their offspring are viable. For instance, taking the German Shepherds as an example, they are cross breed of dogs and wolves and they are known for their high intelligence, strength, and obedience training. An example of an infertile offspring is the mule- a result of the interbreeding between a horse and a donkey. This clearly shows that, fertile interbreedi ng between two distinct species should not be considered a surprise. This is because it does not matter whichever species two organisms come from as long as a fertile offspring is