The presence of pathogens will tend to _______ the evolution of sexual reproduction because _______.
A) favor; pathogens disrupt Muller's ratchet
B) favor; populations require more genetic variation to evolve defenses against pathogens
C) disfavor; pathogens disrupt Muller's ratchet
D) disfavor; populations require more genetic variation to evolve defenses against pathogens
E) disfavor; populations do not need as much genetic variation to evolve against pathogens

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pathogens can exert selection pressures on host populations that favor genetic diversity and variability, as populations with greater genetic variation are more able to evolve new defenses against pathogens. This can ultimately lead to an advantage for sexual reproduction, as it allows for more genetic recombination and creates more genetic variation than asexual reproduction.

The Presence of Pathogens Will Tend to _______ the Evolution