A patient admitted to the hospital for fever and coughing is diagnosed with an active tuberculosis infection, and is treated with an antibiotic named rifampin. The antibiotics seemed successful, and his subsequent tests for tuberculosis came back negative. However, he was re-admitted to the hospital two months later with similar symptoms, was treated with rifampin again, and died of respiratory failure shortly thereafter. It was concluded that he had been infected with an antibiotic-resistant strain of M. tuberculosis.
A patient admitted to the hospital for fever and coughing is diagnosed with an active tuberculosis infection, and is treated with an antibiotic named rifampin. The antibiotics seemed successful, and his subsequent tests for tuberculosis came back negative. However, he was re-admitted to the hospital two months later with similar symptoms, was treated with rifampin again, and died of respiratory failure shortly thereafter. It was concluded that he had been infected with an antibiotic-resistant strain of M. tuberculosis.
Does this situation meet the criteria for evolution by natural selection? Briefly explain how each of Darwin’s postulates is met/not met:
a. Individuals in a population vary in traits.
b. Traits are heritable.
c. More offspring are produced than can survive, and only some individuals survive and reproduce.
d. Individuals with certain heritable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce than others.
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