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Exploration Questions: Evolution and human health

Reflect on what you've learned in this lesson by responding to the exploration questions below.
1. If an outbreak of a disease occurs, why would epidemiologists do a phylogenetic analysis of the microbe to identify its location within a phylogenetic tree? Give at least three reasons.
2. Explain how a phylogenetic analysis of a little known snake could help victims of its snakebite. (Hint: Each snake species has a specific venom. An antivenin is a natural substance used to counteract a specific poison, such as the venom of a specific snake.)
3. Give three examples of how evolutionary science benefits human health.

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