A Highly-Virulent Pathogen Is Reproducing in the Host Most Quickly

question 56

Multiple Choice

A highly-virulent pathogen is reproducing in the host most quickly, so it should "win," and therefore most pathogens should evolve to be highly virulent. Why don't they?

• A) Pathogens don't evolve like other living things.
• B) Natural selection wouldn't select for "deadliness."
• C) Some pathogens can't reproduce that fast so they never get to the point where they kill the host.
• D) Most pathogens are highly virulent.
• E) A highly virulent pathogen may be less likely to infect more humans if it disables the first host too quickly.

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