Question

What is a likely reason to explain why vertebrate animals evolved an adaptive immune system rather than an innate system involving specific responses to specific pathogens?

a) Adaptive immunity provides faster responses.
b) Innate immunity is more specific.
c) Adaptive immunity allows for memory responses.
d) Innate immunity is more versatile.

Answer 1

The likely reason why vertebrate animals evolved an adaptive immune system is because it allows for memory responses.

Step-by-step explanation:

The likely reason why vertebrate animals evolved an adaptive immune system rather than an innate system involving specific responses to specific pathogens is because adaptive immunity allows for memory responses. While the innate immune system provides quick and general responses, adaptive immunity is more specific to pathogens and has the ability to remember previous encounters with pathogens. This memory allows the adaptive immune system to mount a faster and stronger response upon reexposure to the same pathogen.