Bacteria that can withstand heat have a survival advantage during a heat wave. This advantage is linked to specific variations in their genetic makeup, allowing them to thrive in conditions where other bacteria might struggle or perish. This example highlights the role of environmental factors in selecting variants with advantageous traits.
How does the ability of bacteria to withstand heat illustrate the principle of survival advantages linked to specific variations?
Share
The ability of certain bacteria to withstand heat illustrates the principle of survival advantages linked to specific variations. Bacteria with heat-resistant traits, such as thermophiles, possess genetic variations that enable the production of heat-resistant enzymes. In environments with elevated temperatures, these bacteria thrive while others perish, showcasing a fitness advantage. Over time, through natural selection, heat-resistant traits become more prevalent in the bacterial population. This adaptation ensures the survival and reproduction of bacteria with advantageous variations, underscoring how specific traits enhance an organism’s ability to thrive in particular environmental conditions.