The oak tree fungal pathogen, Phytophthora ramorum, has migrated 800 kilometers in 15 years. West Nile virus spread from New York State to 46 other states in 5 years. The difference in the rate of spread is probably related to ________.
A) the lethality of each pathogen
B) the mobility of their hosts
C) the fact that viruses are very small
D) innate resistance

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mobility of hosts is likely the key difference in the rate of spread between these two pathogens. Oak trees are stationary and their fungal pathogen is primarily spread through spores carried by rainwater or other particles in the air, limiting its range of spread. In contrast, West Nile virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes, which can travel long distances and easily infect new hosts, leading to much faster spread across broader territories. The lethality of the pathogens and the size of the virus are not the main factors contributing to the difference in their spread. Innate resistance may play a role in some cases, but is unlikely to be the primary driver of such large-scale differences.

The Oak Tree Fungal Pathogen, Phytophthora Ramorum, Has Migrated 800