Question

Which of the following, if it had occurred, would have likely meant that myxoma virus in Australia would have remained more virulent than it ultimately became?

1) the rabbit population crashed
2) the rabbit population remained dense even after introduction of the virus
3) transmission opportunities were reduced
4) None of the above

Answer 1

The myxoma virus in Australia would have likely remained more virulent if the rabbit population remained dense after the virus's introduction (option 2), enabling higher transmission rates.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the myxoma virus in Australia had remained more virulent, it's likely due to the fact that the rabbit population remained dense even after the introduction of the virus. This assertion aligns with the principle that pathogens require a large host population to maintain their presence and spread.

In a dense population, particularly with a pathogen like the myxoma virus, there is an increased chance for the virus to spread before the host dies, which could maintain or even increase the virulence of the virus over time.

Conversely, a population crash or reduced transmission opportunities would typically result in a decrease in virulence, as the virus would need to become less deadly to ensure it doesn't kill off its host population before it can spread. Eventually, a balance is often reached where the pathogen becomes less lethal, and the host population develops some level of resistance, an example of coevolution.