Why is bacterial conjugation a rare occurrence? Think about how the rate applies in nature.

Bacterial conjugation is considered a rare occurrence in nature because it requires direct cell-to-cell contact between bacteria, which may not happen frequently in environments where bacteria are dispersed. Additionally, conjugation typically occurs between bacteria of different mating types (e.g., F+ and F-) and is more likely when bacteria are in close proximity, such as in biofilms or dense populations. The process is more common in laboratory settings, where conditions are controlled to promote conjugation.