Human heterozygotes for sickle cell anemia are selectively more fit than the normal homozygotes and considerably more fit than individuals homozygous for the sickle cell allele.This enhanced fitness of the heterozygotes is known as
A) adaptive value.
B) reproductive fitness.
C) heterozygous advantage.
D) hybrid vigor.
E) genetic drift.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Heterozygous advantage refers to the increased survival or reproductive success of individuals who are heterozygous for a particular trait, compared to homozygous individuals. In the case of sickle cell anemia, carriers of the sickle cell allele are more resistant to malaria, which is why the sickle cell allele has persisted in populations where malaria is prevalent. Therefore, the heterozygous individuals have a selective advantage over both the normal homozygotes and the sickle cell homozygotes.

Human Heterozygotes for Sickle Cell Anemia Are Selectively More Fit