Albinism is rare in most human populations, occurring at a frequency of about 1 in 20,000 people. However, the trait occurs at a frequency of 1 in 200 in certain Hopi villages of Black Mesa in Arizona. In light of this example and others that you might be aware of, what can you conclude about particular alleles such as the allele for albinism?
A) An allele that leads to an abnormal phenotype will be rare in most populations but common in Native American populations.
B) An allele that leads to abnormal phenotype will not be beneficial in any population.
C) An allele that leads to an abnormal phenotype may be beneficial in some environments but harmful in others.
D) An allele that leads to an abnormal phenotype will rise in frequency after many generations.
E) An allele that leads to an abnormal phenotype will soon disappear from a population.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Certain alleles, like the one for albinism, may be more common in specific environments due to factors like genetic drift, founder effects, or cultural practices that may make the trait more advantageous or neutral in that context.

Albinism Is Rare in Most Human Populations, Occurring at a Frequency