Question

Bacteria are able to evolve easily, which is why antibiotic resistance is on the rise. Several factors contribute to the evolution of bacteria, except (1 point)
Responses

their DNA mutates when they divide, making new potential adaptations.
their DNA mutates when they divide, making new potential adaptations.

they have the shortest genetic material, which makes them the fastest to replicate.
they have the shortest genetic material, which makes them the fastest to replicate.

bacteria grow and multiply quickly, so they evolve rapidly.
bacteria grow and multiply quickly, so they evolve rapidly.

non-resistant bacteria die, and resistant bacteria survive.

Answer 1

The statement that does not contribute to the evolution of bacteria is:

"they have the shortest genetic material, which makes them the fastest to replicate."

This statement is misleading because while bacteria do have relatively small genomes compared to eukaryotes, the speed of replication is not directly tied to the size of genetic material in this context. The key factors contributing to bacterial evolution include mutations during replication, rapid growth rates, and natural selection wherein non-resistant bacteria die off while resistant ones survive.