WVGSA Grade 8 Science Practice Questions - West Virginia General Summative Assessment Grade 8 Science Exam

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A culture of bacteria is treated with an antibiotic. Initially, 99.9% of bacteria die, but a few surviving mutant bacteria reproduce. After several days, applying the same antibiotic dose has almost no effect on the bacterial population. Which biological mechanism caused this antibiotic resistance?

Individual bacteria learned how to neutralize the antibiotic during their lifespan The antibiotic forced the bacteria to instantly create protective DNA mutations Pre-existing genetic mutations conferred resistance to a few bacteria; natural selection allowed these resistant individuals to survive, reproduce, and dominate the population The antibiotic transformed into food for the bacteria

Correct Answer:

Pre-existing genetic mutations conferred resistance to a few bacteria; natural selection allowed these resistant individuals to survive, reproduce, and dominate the population

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