Species A has chromosome number 2n = 18, and species B has chromosome number 2n = 20. The two plants hybridize and produce viable offspring through allopolyploidy. What is the chromosome number of the viable offspring?

A) 2n = 18
B) 2n = 20
C) 2n = 38
D) 4n = 38

Allopolyploidy

Refers to polyploidy (more than two paired chromosomes) resulting from interspecific hybridization. If polyploidy arises within a species, it’s called autopolyploidy.

Chromosome Number

The total number of chromosomes present in the cell nucleus of an organism, which is characteristic of each species.

Hybridize

The act of crossing different species or varieties of organisms to produce hybrids, fostering genetic variation.