Modern bananas originated from a cross between a tetraploid banana species and a diploid banana species. The product of this cross was the triploid Cavendish banana strain, a sterile hybrid that is only grown asexually. Recently, the Panama fungus has been observed more frequently parasitizing the Cavendish banana, and scientists claim that this type of banana is on the brink of extinction.

Which of the following provides the best explanation of the scientists’ claim regarding the threat to the Cavendish banana?


The triploid genome of the Cavendish banana makes it susceptible to the negative impact of recessive alleles.

Having three of each chromosome interferes with normal function of the cells and increases the likelihood of contracting a disease.

The lack of genetic diversity of the Cavendish banana decreases the chance that a variation exists in the population that is immune to the fungus.

Asexual reproduction increases the mutation rate during replication, resulting in a greater chance that the offspring have a dysfunctional immune system.