Final answer:
The ability of some bacteria to resist antibiotics and reproduce while others die is an example of evolution through natural selection. This occurs as bacteria with mutations for antibiotic resistance survive and multiply, leading to a higher frequency of the resistant trait in the population. Overuse and incorrect use of antibiotics amplify this natural selection process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bacterial adaptation described in the question is an example of evolution through natural selection. This occurs when bacteria with genetic mutations that confer resistance to antibiotics can survive and reproduce, while those without the resistance die off when exposed to antibiotics. This selective pressure leads to a higher frequency of the resistant trait in the bacterial population, demonstrating evolutionary change as the population adapts to the presence of antibiotics.
One of the main causes of this resistance is the overuse and incorrect use of antibiotics. When antibiotics are used extensively or improperly, only the bacteria that possess mutations for resistance survive. These resistant bacteria then multiply, increasing the proportion of resistant bacteria in the population over time. Thus, the overuse of antibiotics greatly accelerates the process of natural selection, resulting in a population of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.