Question

While most bacteria are eliminated by antibiotics, some can possess mutations that are resistant to antibiotics, leading to more drug-resistant strains of bacteria. Such a mutation is an example of which of Charles Darwin's proposed criteria for traits to evolve through natural selection?

Answer 1

A trait that impart survival advantage to the individuals is favored by natural selection.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Darwin, genetic variations are present in natural populations. However, the genetic variations or the traits that increase the survival rates of the individuals are favored by natural selection.

In the given example, antibiotic resistance was favored by natural selection since it increased the survival rates of the bacteria having this trait. Over generations, natural selection of antibiotic resistance led to the evolution of bacterial population with an increased number of bacteria having this trait.