What is a key factor that limits the fertility of triploids?

Triploids have three sets of chromosomes, which causes complications during meiosis, the process of gamete formation. For successful formation of gametes, chromosomes need to align and segregate properly. In diploids (organisms with two sets of chromosomes), each pair of chromosomes can easily find its counterpart during meiosis and segregate evenly to form viable sperm or egg cells.

In triploids, however, the presence of an extra set results in an unbalanced arrangement during meiosis. This imbalance leads to difficulty in pairing homologous chromosomes, making it challenging for the cell to properly segregate them into gametes. Consequently, triploids often produce gametes with an uneven number of chromosomes, usually resulting in the formation of nonviable gametes. This inability to produce viable gametes directly contributes to the infertility observed in triploids.

Other options do not accurately address the underlying genetic issues faced by triploids regarding gamete production.