What term describes a hybrid plant formed from two different species?

What term describes a hybrid plant formed from two different species?

• A. Intraspecific cross
• B. Intergeneric cross
• C. Interspecific cross
• D. Autogamy

Answer: (C)

A hybrid formed from two different plant species is called an interspecific cross. Interspecific means between species, so this term describes crossing two distinct species to combine their traits. If the two parents came from different genera, that would be an intergeneric cross, which is a broader relationship than just different species. Crossing within the same species is an intraspecific cross, and self-pollination is autogamy. In practice, many garden hybrids—like some modern roses—result from interspecific crosses, though the fertility of such hybrids can vary.

A hybrid formed from two different plant species is called an interspecific cross. Interspecific means between species, so this term describes crossing two distinct species to combine their traits. If the two parents came from different genera, that would be an intergeneric cross, which is a broader relationship than just different species. Crossing within the same species is an intraspecific cross, and self-pollination is autogamy. In practice, many garden hybrids—like some modern roses—result from interspecific crosses, though the fertility of such hybrids can vary.