IB Biology HL 2.3.6 Rapid Evolution in Viruses
Practise IB Biology HL 2.3.6 by explaining rapid viral evolution through mutation, replication errors, recombination and immune selection.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Course
- Biology HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- Explain how rapid mutation, short generation times and error-prone viral replication drive viral evolution.
- Use HIV or RNA-virus evidence to link mutation and immune escape with natural selection.
- Distinguish mutation, recombination and rapid replication as separate sources of viral variation.
A2.3.6 (HL)—Rapid evolution in viruses question 1
[Maximum number: 2]
Pathogens are disease-causing organisms.
Outline two reasons for the very rapid rates of evolution in some viruses.
a. rapid rate of mutation;
b. in RNA viruses / retroviruses enzymes (RNA replicase/polymerases/reverse transcriptase) do not proofread or correct errors (unlike DNA polymerase);
c. exchange of genetic material with each other (in the same generation)/ recombination and horizontal gene transfer;
d. viruses have short generation times / high reproduction rates / reproduce/replicate fast;
e. transmission of viruses between species can lead to new strains;
2
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