Imagine a human population with an extremely low frequency of sickle cell alleles. Which of the following changes is most likely in the human population 15 generations after introducing a mosquito population that carries the malaria parasite?
A) an increase in red blood cells without nuclei
B) a decrease in the number of mosquito bites
C) an increase in the mutation rate of the hemoglobin gene
D) an increase in the sickle cell allele

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sickle cell allele provides a selective advantage in malaria-endemic areas because individuals with one copy of the allele (heterozygotes) have increased resistance to malaria. Over generations, this can lead to an increase in the frequency of the sickle cell allele in a population exposed to malaria.

Imagine a Human Population with an Extremely Low Frequency of Sickle