Final answer:
Researchers determined the agent of the bubonic plague by analyzing historical records, studying microbial genetics, and conducting experiments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Researchers were able to determine the agent of disease for the bubonic plague of the 14th century by analyzing historical records, studying microbial genetics, and conducting experiments.
1. Analyzing historical records: By studying historical documents and accounts of the Black Death, researchers were able to gather information about the symptoms, spread, and impact of the disease. This helped them understand the historical context and effects of the plague.
2. Studying microbial genetics: Through advancements in molecular biology and DNA analysis, scientists were able to retrieve and reconstruct genetic material of the plague organism, Yersinia pestis, from historical remains. This allowed them to confirm Y. pestis as the pathogen responsible for the Black Death.
3. Conducting experiments: Scientists conducted experiments to further understand the transmission and impact of the plague. This included studying the behavior of fleas, which act as vectors for the disease, and analyzing the effects of the pathogen on different organisms.