Lymphatic Immune System Quizlet Related

Review Lymphatic Immune System Quizlet related questions and content

What is a key concept of the evolutionary arms race between hosts and pathogens?

  • A. Both evolve to outcompete the other
  • B. Pathogens evolve faster due to slow host mutation rates
  • C. Hosts rely on chemical barriers rather than evolution
  • D. Pathogens only evolve when hosts fail to adapt
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Evolutionary arms race involves a continuous cycle of adaptations by both hosts and pathogens to gain an advantage.
Step 2: Both parties strive to outcompete each other to survive and reproduce.
Step 3: This leads to a dynamic process where hosts evolve defense mechanisms while pathogens evolve ways to overcome them.
Step 4: Therefore, the key concept is that both hosts and pathogens evolve to outcompete each other in the evolutionary arms race.
Summary:
- Option B is incorrect as hosts can also evolve rapidly through mechanisms like recombination.
- Option C is incorrect as hosts do evolve through genetic changes, not just relying on chemical barriers.
- Option D is incorrect as pathogens continuously evolve strategies, not just when hosts fail to adapt.