Question at position 15 Why is infectious disease more likely to spread between non-human primates and humans?We interact with each other the mostWe have similar primate behaviorWe share similar geneticsAnswers 2 and 3Clear my selection

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

First, let’s lay out what the question is asking and list the answer choices to be evaluated.
Question: Why is infectious disease more likely to spread between non-human primates and humans?
Answer options:
1) We interact with each other the most
2) We have similar primate behavior
3) We share similar genetics
4) Answers 2 and 3

Now, evaluate each option in turn:
Option 1: 'We interact with each other the most' — This statement suggests that the frequency or closeness of contact drives spread. While contact can influence transmission, this option alone ignores biological similarity and susceptibility of hosts, and it’s not the strongest general explanation across primates and humans who may have varying levels of contact. It also doesn’t directly address biological compatibility for pathogens between species.
Option 2: 'We have similar primate behavior' — Similar behavior can affect exposure patterns (e.g., grooming, territoriality, feeding), which might influence contact rates. However, behavior alone does not fully account for cross-species transmission potential at the pathogen–host level, such as receptor compatibility and pathogen adaptation. So this is a contributing factor but not the sole or primary explanation.
Option 3: 'We share similar genetics' — Genetic similarity across primates and humans underpins many shared biological pathways, including immune system components and cellular receptors that pathogens exploit. This genetic closeness makes it easier for pathogens to adapt and infect across species borders compared with more distant species. Hence, this factor is a fundamental part of why cross-species transmission can occur.
Option 4: 'Answers 2 and 3' — This option claims that both similar behavior and genetic similarity together explain the cross-species transmission tendency. Since behavior can influence exposure and genetics underlie susceptibility and pathogen compatibility, combining both provides a more complete rationale than either factor alone.

Putting it together, the strongest rationale for cross-species transmission between non-human primates and humans is rooted in genetic similarity that enables pathogens to exploit conserved biological mechanisms, complemented by behavioral factors that shape exposure opportunities. The combination described in option 4 captures this broader, more accurate view, whereas options 1–3 each have limitations when considered in isolation. Therefore, the correct choice is the composite one, option 4.

Question at position 15 Why is infectious disease more likely to spread between non-human primates and humans?We interact with each other the mostWe have similar primate behaviorWe share similar geneticsAnswers 2 and 3Clear my selection

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