12 Questions
According to the passage, why do pathogens tend to mellow as they age?
To avoid rapidly destroying their victims and ensure long-term survival.
Which pathogens are mentioned as examples of initially being reckless killers but later becoming unremarkable childhood illnesses?
Measles and smallpox
What characteristic of malaria is highlighted in the passage as compared to measles and smallpox?
Malaria's continuing malevolence and tenacity
Why did smallpox and measles stop taking millions of lives as time passed according to the passage?
The pathogens encountered virgin populations.
What historical event is mentioned in relation to smallpox and measles affecting virgin populations?
The conquest of the New World in the 15th century
How does the passage suggest humans have adapted to malaria over evolutionary history?
By developing immunity to malaria through past exposure.
What makes malaria a ferocious disease, according to the text?
The fact that it is caused by a cheater parasite that depletes others of their livelihood.
What differentiates parasites like Plasmodium from other organisms mentioned in the text?
They eke out their livelihood by depleting others of theirs.
Why did Henry Drummond consider parasitism a 'breach of the law of Evolution'?
Because parasites hinder the natural progression of evolution by exploiting other organisms for survival.
What is highlighted as a unique characteristic of Plasmodium's ancestors before they became parasites?
They contained vestiges of photosynthesis machinery from their plantlike origins.
What sets Plasmodium apart from other described species practicing the parasitic lifestyle?
The fact that it arose as a response to new opportunities rather than being hardwired for parasitism.
How does malaria affect human beings, based on the information provided in the text?
It infects one out of twenty-one human beings globally and leads to a high number of deaths every year.
Explore the concept of diminishing virulence in pathogens as a superior survival strategy. Learn how pathogens may evolve to become less harmful over time. Discover examples like measles and smallpox and how they have adapted over history.
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