Question

A scientist is studying an infectious agent in a lab. Which observation best illustrates the importance of the theory of evolution in the field of medicine? Organisms in Petri dish A have a mechanism that produces the same neurotoxin as the rest. Organisms in Petri dish B have the largest cells relative to the rest. Organisms in Petri dish C have twice as many genes on their DNA. Organisms in Petri dish D have a mutation that allows them to survive treatment with medication.

Answer 1

Organisms in Petri dish D have a mutation that allows them to survive treatment with medication.

Answer 2

Answer: The correct answer is -

D) have a mutation that allows them to survive treatment with medication.

Explanation -

Natural selection is a theory of evolution that was proposed by Charles's Darwin. According to this theory, organisms that have a beneficial gene variant (allele) to enhance their survival or that are capable of better adapting in their changing environmental conditions, will survive and produce large number of offsprings through reproduction.

Option D) in this question correctly correlates this theory as the mutation in the organism is enhancing its rate of survival.

Thus, option D) is the right answer.