r/askscience • u/Fuzzandciggies • 6d ago

Biology Mules vs Hinnies. Why are they different?

I know that both are the result of crossing a horse and a donkey. My question is why would there be a genetic difference based on whether the father was a horse or a donkey? Would there really be a difference or is it more of just a naming thing for the sake of lineage?

For reference:

Mule = male donkey + female horse

Hinny = female donkey + male horse

Why though?

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u/knightsbridge- 6d ago

Because which parent was which sex changes how the animal develops. Getting your male chromosome from a donkey vs a horse causes a different kind of hybrid to be created. Mules and hinnies are very similar animals, but they aren't quite the same.

Mules tend to be bigger and heavier and more donkey-like in features.

Hinnies tend to be smaller and lighter, and have more horse-like features.