Question

Explain antibiotic resistance observed in bacteria in light of Darwinian selection theory.

Answer 1

Selection theory:

1. Darwin’s evolutionary theory of natural selection gave a more rational explanation of the formation of new species.
2. As per natural selection, various species originated from a single species as a result of adaptation to the changing environment.
3. Nature selects those individuals that are fit for living in the changed environmental condition.

Example of antibiotic resistant bacteria:

1. The change in the environment here is the introduction of the antibiotic in the environment.
2. In the presence of antibiotic, the bacteria that are sensitive to it will die.
3. However, if there are any mutants in the population, that can somehow survive its effect, they will multiply and increase in numbers.
4. After that they will live as new species of antibiotic resistant bacteria.