Question

in the 1800s, the irish solved the problem of feeding a growing population by planting potatoes. specifically, they planted the lumper potato variety 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:

The Irish potato famine occurred because potatoes were propagated asexually (by cutting with eyes), leading to genetic sameness. So all potato plants had similar genetics, making them vulnerable to the blight. Option A explains this - asexual reproduction caused genetic sameness, so when blight hit, the entire crop was affected. Option B is incorrect as they did focus on one species (lumper potato). Option C is incorrect as the problem was the crop's genetic uniformity (due to asexual reproduction) making it susceptible, not choosing a susceptible crop (they chose it for productivity, not susceptibility).

Answer:

A. asexual reproduction and genetic sameness.