In what type of environment is being heterozygous in regards to the sickle cell trait an advantage?
A) An environment that has malaria.
B) An environment that is malaria free.
C) Environment that is exposed to a large amount of sunlight year round.
D) Environments that are degraded.
E) Cold and rainy environments favor the heterozygote.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Being heterozygous for the sickle cell trait provides an advantage in environments that have malaria. Individuals who are heterozygous have a lower risk of dying from malaria than individuals who are homozygous for either the normal hemoglobin or sickle cell hemoglobin genes. This is because the sickle cell trait provides some resistance to the malaria parasite, making it more difficult for the parasite to survive and reproduce in red blood cells. Therefore, in areas where malaria is common, the sickle cell trait is an advantage.

In What Type of Environment Is Being Heterozygous in Regards