Question

in the 1800s, the irish solved the problem of feeding a growing population by planting potatoes. specifically, they planted the lumper potato variety. generally, potatoes are propagated by cutting potatoes into pieces, each piece containing an eye that sprouts into a new plant. unfortunately, this crop was devastated by potato blight, and because ireland was so dependent on the potato, one in eight irish people died of starvation in three years during the irish potato famine of the 1840s.
the basis for the devastation of the potato crop was
a asexual reproduction and genetic sameness.
b not focusing on just one species of potato.
c choosing a staple crop that was susceptible to blight.

Explanation:

To determine the basis for the devastation of the potato crop during the Irish Potato Famine, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Potatoes are propagated asexually (by cutting tubers with eyes), so all plants are genetically identical (genetic sameness). When a blight (disease) affected the Lumper variety, all plants were susceptible, leading to widespread devastation. This matches the cause.
• Option B: The problem was focusing on one species (Lumper potato), so this is incorrect.
• Option C: The staple crop (potato) was chosen and was susceptible, but the core issue was the genetic uniformity from asexual reproduction, not just choosing a susceptible crop. So A is more accurate.

Answer:

A. asexual reproduction and genetic sameness.