Evolution of Human Illness

K·

Biology

Preview

At a Glance

SubjectBiology

Original Prompt

Create a worksheet about the evolution of human illnesses. Include passages to address the following questions: How do bacteria make us sick? How are infectious diseases passed between people? Why was the Black Death so deadly? How did some people survive the Black Death? How do variations between people help them survive? Why are some variations more beneficial to organisms? How can learning about immunity and how diseases are transmitted help us prevent a future outbreak of cholera? Why are t...

This resource delves into the evolution of diseases, particularly focusing on the mechanisms through which bacteria cause illnesses and the role of natural selection in bacterial resistance. It covers the direct damage caused by bacteria to host cells and the production of toxins that disrupt normal bodily functions. Students will explore how rapid bacterial reproduction allows for quick evolutionary changes, leading to antibiotic resistance, and the importance of completing antibiotic courses. Additionally, the document discusses historical cases like the Black Death to illustrate the dynamics of disease transmission and survival influenced by genetics. The resource further addresses innovative treatment methods, such as Phage Therapy and CRISPR gene editing, that emerge in response to increasing antibiotic resistance. It encourages critical thinking by prompting students to articulate their understanding through an argumentation framework on how knowledge of disease evolution can inform future prevention strategies.