Emergence of a new endemic pathogen in an ecosystem (as opposed to a newly introduced pathogen) is most likely to occur by which method?
A) Climate change due to human activity
B) Escape of laboratory animals carrying the pathogen
C) Release of plants or plant seeds carrying the pathogen
D) Accidental introduction through global trade
E) Accidental introduction through international air travel

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Climate change can result in changes to the environment, such as changes in temperature, precipitation, and humidity, that can create new habitats for pathogens and alter the interactions between hosts and pathogens. This can lead to the emergence of new endemic pathogens in an ecosystem. The other choices all involve the introduction of a pathogen from outside the ecosystem, which is not the same as the emergence of a new endemic pathogen.

Emergence of a New Endemic Pathogen in an Ecosystem (As