What is a common feature of autotriploids?

What is a common feature of autotriploids?

• A. They are usually highly fertile
• B. They can reproduce sexually without issues
• C. They often experience reduced fertility
• D. They have even chromosome sets during meiosis

Answer: (C)

Autotriploids are organisms that have three sets of chromosomes, which is an odd number. A key feature of these organisms is that they often experience reduced fertility. This is primarily due to the fact that during meiosis, the presence of an odd number of chromosome sets can lead to difficulties in proper pairing of homologous chromosomes. When chromosomes cannot align properly, it can result in uneven distribution of chromosomes to gametes, leading to the production of gametes that may not be viable or capable of successful fertilization. In contrast, organisms with an even number of chromosome sets are typically able to pair their chromosomes more effectively during meiosis, which supports higher fertility. Thus, the assertion that autotriploids often have reduced fertility aligns with the fundamental principles of genetics and reproductive biology, making it the correct answer.

Autotriploids are organisms that have three sets of chromosomes, which is an odd number. A key feature of these organisms is that they often experience reduced fertility. This is primarily due to the fact that during meiosis, the presence of an odd number of chromosome sets can lead to difficulties in proper pairing of homologous chromosomes. When chromosomes cannot align properly, it can result in uneven distribution of chromosomes to gametes, leading to the production of gametes that may not be viable or capable of successful fertilization.

In contrast, organisms with an even number of chromosome sets are typically able to pair their chromosomes more effectively during meiosis, which supports higher fertility. Thus, the assertion that autotriploids often have reduced fertility aligns with the fundamental principles of genetics and reproductive biology, making it the correct answer.