Evidence suggests that factors which contribute towards the virulence of E. coli strain O157:H7, a bacterial strain reported to cause several food poisoning deaths, are caused by genes from a virus that infects bacteria. Considering this evidence, explains how the O157:H7 population acquired the genetic variation that distinguishes the strain from harmless E. coli strains, such as those that reside in our intestines?

answer; i believe the answer is (polygenic inheritance;

the correct answer is: b. pantala flavescens, because these organisms would have a high level of genetic variation due to sexual reproduction.  

because involves two organisms (parents) whose genetic material combines, sexual reproduction leads to genetic variation in new generations of offspring. the offspring is an unique organism, with new genome, more protected with the higher ability to adapted. this process is fundamental to evolution.