Quick Quiz
It looks like your students have some questions about the Relevance of evolution. Reflect on what you have just learned and see how well you can respond. Just click on their raised hands!
You could respond:
“The reason HIV is so difficult to treat, and why we still don’t have a vaccine to prevent it, is that it mutates so rapidly. That’s evolution. If HIV stayed the same genetically, it would be much easier to design treatments and preventions for it.”
You could respond:
“The more we use antibiotics, the more we give bacteria opportunities to mutate and become resistant. Antibiotics should only be used to treat known infections.”
You could respond:
“Well, maybe you shouldn’t try to. If all the plants in a garden or farmer’s field are genetically similar or identical, it may take only one mutation in one pathogen to produce a germ that can wipe out the entire crop, or worse, an entire nation’s main source of food. Genetic variation is really important.”
You could respond:
“The wild relative possesses many genes that have been lost in the domesticated population. When a new pest or disease appears, the wild population may well be the place to find genes that can make the domesticated plants resistant to the intruder.”
You could respond:
“We never fully know how an organism may be affecting its ecosystem until it is gone. For example, we now know that eliminating predators allows an increase in numbers of prey—whether the prey species are deer, rabbits, or mice. Excessive numbers of prey species can devastate an ecosystem.”
You could respond:
“You probably should. Influenza viruses mutate and evolve into different forms. Your immunization for last year’s flu may be of little help in preventing you from becoming ill from this year’s version.”
You could respond:
“Because, even though you feel better, it may be that not all the bacteria have been eliminated. Stopping the treatment early may allow resistant bacteria to evolve inside you, making it harder to cure you next time.”
You could respond:
“I understand your concern. Would you like to hear my 'responsibility' lecture now?”
