[Campbell Biology P.459] According to the text, which of the following is true regarding the... | Practice Question

According to the text, which of the following is true regarding the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus?

  • A: It was directly transmitted from pigs to humans and was an example of a seasonal flu strain.
  • B: Its genome was entirely identical to existing swine influenza strains, making it easily identifiable.
  • C: It was a unique combination of swine, avian, and human influenza genes that allowed it to spread among humans.
  • D: It caused the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-1919 due to its high mutation rate.

Explanation

The text explicitly states that the 2009 H1N1 virus 'was a unique combination of swine, avian, and human influenza genes that allowed it to spread among humans.' It clarifies that it was not directly transmitted from pigs but resulted from reassortment. The Spanish flu was a separate, earlier pandemic.