Question

Given what you know about the selective pressures associated with malaria and sickle-cell anemia in the tropical areas of sub-Saharan Africa, is there evidence of selection operating in this population? If so, which genotype appears to be favored? Explain.

Answer 1

Answer

HBA HBs

Explanation:

In some parts of Africa, up to 20% of the population are carriers of the sickle cell gene. This suggests that the trait must have a survival value. The carriers of the trait have a much lower susceptibility to malaria than normal individuals. This is because the malaria parasite survives very poorly in sickled red blood cells.