PBS Evolution, Episode 4
The Evolutionary Arms Race
Evolution is often described as a race between predators and prey, parasites and hosts. As one species evolves new adaptations to protect themselves and avoid predation, another species evolves to become more effective hunters. This also applies to microorganisms that cause disease. In fact, bacteria can evolve much faster than larger species can, leading to the rapid emergence of drug resistance. This episode uses the study of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis to see this arms race in action.
Key Concepts: Predation, adaptations, antibiotic resistance, drug resistance, mutations, bacteria, tuberculosis, symbiosis, mutualism.
Answer Key: Available at the biology instructor resources subscription page.
