In 2001,a Series of Letters Containing Anthrax Spores Were Mailed

question 24

Essay

In 2001,a series of letters containing anthrax spores were mailed to journalists and senators. Some of those that handled the letters had black and necrotic scabs,while others presented with disorientation,high fever,vomiting and pneumonia. Why is there such a difference in their symptoms? Which group would be more likely to die? What are other ways that people come into contact with anthrax spores? Why would anthrax be considered a good agent for bioterrorism or biological warfare?

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Definitions:

Neandertals

An extinct species of human that was widely distributed in ice-age Europe between c. 120,000-35,000 years ago, coexisting with early Homo sapiens.

Gracile Australopithecines

One member of the genus Australopithecus possessing a more lightly built chewing apparatus; likely had a diet that included more meat than that of the robust australopithecines.

Human Ancestors

Prehistoric species and genera that are considered predecessors of modern humans in the evolutionary lineage.

Homo Erectus

An extinct species of early human that lived throughout Africa and Eurasia from approximately 2 million to 100,000 years ago.