Asked by NSHIRA KOOMSON on Jun 12, 2024
Verified
Which of the following would explain why viruses such as influenza evolve so rapidly?
A) They have a high mutation rate.
B) They have a high replication rate.
C) They can undergo viral reassortment.
D) None of the given choices are correct.
E) All the given choices are correct.
Influenza
A highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory passages causing fever, severe aching, and often occurring in epidemics.
Evolve
The gradual development of organisms or species through a process of change and selection over successive generations, leading to biodiversity and complexity in the biological world.
Replication Rate
The speed at which genetic material or organisms reproduce or duplicate themselves.
- Absorb the fundamental theories and procedures related to viral evolution, including mutation, reassortment, and the phenomenon of drug resistance.
- Recognize the role of natural selection, mutation, and random events in shaping evolutionary outcomes.
Verified Answer
CK
Chris KussowJun 14, 2024
Final Answer :
E
Explanation :
Viruses like influenza evolve rapidly due to a combination of factors: they have a high mutation rate, which introduces genetic variability; they replicate quickly, spreading these mutations throughout a population; and they can undergo viral reassortment, where different strains combine to form new variants.
Learning Objectives
- Absorb the fundamental theories and procedures related to viral evolution, including mutation, reassortment, and the phenomenon of drug resistance.
- Recognize the role of natural selection, mutation, and random events in shaping evolutionary outcomes.