Bacterial evolution is the study of how bacteria change and adapt over time through mechanisms such as mutation, recombination, and natural selection. This field aims to understand the processes that drive bacterial diversity and evolution, including the development of antibiotic resistance and the emergence of new bacterial strains. Researchers in this area use a combination of genetic, genomic, and bioinformatic approaches to study the evolutionary history of bacteria and their interactions with the environment. Understanding bacterial evolution is crucial for developing strategies to combat bacterial infections and prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains.