Which method of influenza virus evolution typically involves animal hosts?

• A. Antigenic shift
• B. Antigenic drift
• C. Genetic bottleneck
• D. Founder effect

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of antigenic shift: Antigenic shift refers to a major change in the influenza virus's genetic makeup, often resulting from the reassortment of genetic material between different strains of the virus. This process typically involves animal hosts, such as pigs or birds, acting as intermediate hosts where the genetic mixing occurs.
2. Contrast antigenic shift with antigenic drift: Antigenic drift is a gradual accumulation of mutations in the virus's genetic material over time, leading to small changes in the virus's surface proteins. Unlike antigenic shift, antigenic drift does not typically involve animal hosts.
3. Define genetic bottleneck: A genetic bottleneck occurs when a population undergoes a significant reduction in size, leading to a loss of genetic diversity. This concept is not directly related to influenza virus evolution involving animal hosts.
4. Explain the founder effect: The founder effect refers to the reduced genetic diversity that occurs when a new population is established by a small number of individuals. This concept is also not directly related to influenza virus evolution involving animal hosts.
5. Conclude that antigenic shift is the correct answer: Based on the definitions and comparisons, antigenic shift is the method of influenza virus evolution that typically involves animal hosts, as it requires genetic reassortment between different strains in intermediate hosts.