Why were some bacteria resistant to antibiotics based on evolution theory?

Bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics often develop these traits through the process of genetic mutation, which is a key concept in evolution theory. When bacteria reproduce, random mutations can occur in their DNA. Some of these mutations may confer an advantage, such as a mutation that alters a protein targeted by an antibiotic. If these bacteria survive exposure to the antibiotic, they are more likely to reproduce and pass on the beneficial mutation to their offspring. Over time, this can lead to a population of bacteria that is largely resistant to certain antibiotics.

This process aligns with the principles of natural selection, where traits that improve survival and reproductive success become more common in a population. Genetic mutations can happen naturally, and when antibiotics are used, they create selective pressure that favors resistant bacteria, allowing them to thrive while non-resistant strains are eliminated.

The other options do not accurately explain the primary reason for antibiotic resistance through the lens of evolution. While a thicker cell wall may provide some protection against certain antibiotics, not all resistant bacteria share this characteristic, and it doesn't address the genetic basis for resistance. Exposure to high temperatures can indeed affect bacteria, but it is not a direct mechanism for developing antibiotic resistance linked to evolutionary processes. Additionally, while foreign DNA, such as plasmids carrying resistance