Emerging Infections: An Evolutionary Perspective
1998
Emerging Infections: An Evolutionary Perspective
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Joshua Lederberg
Primary Institution: The Rockefeller University
Conclusion
Microbes have a shared interest in the survival of their hosts, which influences their evolutionary strategies.
Supporting Evidence
- Microbes reproduce quickly and can adapt faster than humans.
- Pathogens often benefit from keeping their hosts alive.
- Human behavior can sometimes be maladaptive in the context of disease.
Takeaway
Microbes and humans have a complicated relationship where both try to survive, and sometimes they help each other out.
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