While most bacteria are eliminated by antibiotics, some can possess mutations that are resistant to antibiotics, leading to more drug-resistant strains of bacteria. Such a mutation is an example of which of Charles Darwin's proposed criteria for traits to evolve through natural selection?

The trait must make the individual more fit to survive. T/F

Question

Biology

Lili

2 November, 19:48

While most bacteria are eliminated by antibiotics, some can possess mutations that are resistant to antibiotics, leading to more drug-resistant strains of bacteria. Such a mutation is an example of which of Charles Darwin's proposed criteria for traits to evolve through natural selection?

The trait must make the individual more fit to survive. T/F

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Answers (1)

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Jovani Jordan · Answer 1

The trait must make the individual more fit to survive. True

Explanation:

Darwin proposed that genetic variations are present in natural populations. Some genetic traits become beneficial under the changed environmental conditions. The organisms with these genetic traits are able to survive and reproduce better than the organisms that lack them. This results in an increased proportion of the beneficial genetic traits in the population over generations as the individuals having those traits reproduce more.

The presence of antibiotic resistance is a beneficial genetic trait that allows bacteria to survive in the presence of antibiotics. Natural selection favors the bacterial having antibiotic resistance and increases their proportions in the population over generations.