In the battle against infectious disease, humankind has inadvertently given rise to deadly enemies. Antibiotic resistance is a stunning example of evolution by natural selection. Bacteria with traits that allow them to survive the onslaught of drugs can thrive, re-ignite infections, and launch to new hosts on a cough. Evolution generates a medical arms race. The bad news is that bacteria -- with their fast doubling times and ability to swap genes like trading cards -- evolve quickly. The good news is that in the 150 years since Darwin, we have grown to understand the rules of the race. But can we win this war?

Roundtable: The Evolving Enemy

 

How does battling an infectious disease contribute to evolution?

Do you think this is a good thing or a bad thing?  Explain your answer.

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Submitted by:
Mrs. Dimino's Eighth Grade Life Science Classes
JFK Middle School
Port Jefferson Station, New York

National Educational Technology Standard:
Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity and promote learning.
 Concepts/Skills: Interpreting, inferring, analyzing, synthesizing