[Campbell Biology P.638] According to the text, which of the following factors contributes t... | Practice Question

According to the text, which of the following factors contributes to the rapid evolution and spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria?

  • A: Bacteria's slow reproductive rate.
  • B: Exclusive use of antibiotics in agricultural settings.
  • C: Horizontal gene transfer among bacterial species.
  • D: The discovery of new antibiotics keeping pace with resistance.

Explanation

The text explicitly states, "Resistance genes also can spread within and among bacterial species by horizontal gene transfer." This mechanism is a key factor in the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance. Other options either contradict the text or are not the primary factors described.