Your Text Describes an Experiment in Which Low-Nutrient Conditions Select

question 32

Multiple Choice

Your text describes an experiment in which low-nutrient conditions select bacteria that would kill off other bacteria. When nutrients became plentiful again, these killer bacteria became less common because they had lower fitness in this environment, but they didn't become extinct. Why would some of the killer bacteria survive in the new environment?

• A) They're waiting for a future time when that trait may be useful again.
• B) They have changed the killer gene to a less costly one but can regenerate the killer gene when necessary.
• C) Competition must be low enough that the disadvantage of having the killer trait isn't great enough to cause extinction.
• D) The killer trait is a dominant trait, so it cannot be eliminated.

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Definitions:

Cutting

The act or process of making an incision or separation with a sharp instrument.

Scissor Motion

A movement involving two parts moving past each other in opposite directions, similar to the action of a pair of scissors.

Small Intestine

A part of the gastrointestinal tract between the stomach and large intestine that digests food and absorbs nutrients.

Cecum

The first part of the large intestine, located at the junction between the intestines and the appendix.