Cross between two different but related species is called

The correct answer is Option (2) → Interspecific hybridisation

Option (1) Cross breeding — Incorrect. Cross-breeding is between superior animals of different breeds.

Option (2) Interspecific hybridisation — Correct. Male and female animals of two related species are mated, as in the mule.

Option (3) Out crossing — Incorrect. Out-crossing is between animals of the same breed with no common ancestors for 4–6 generations.

Option (4) Out breeding — Incorrect. Out-breeding is the general term for breeding unrelated animals.

Note: This question is from Chapter 9, Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production, of the pre-rationalised NCERT book. This chapter is not in the present NCERT book (2026-27). The extract below is from the pre-rationalised edition.

NCERT Extract (Pre-rationalised edition, Chapter 9, Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production):
Animal Breeding – “… Interspecific hybridisation: In this method, male and female animals of two different related species are mated. In some cases, the progeny may combine desirable features of both the parents, and may be of considerable economic value, e.g., the mule (Figure 9.2).”