The HbS allele increased in frequency in West African populations due to which of the following?
A) sickle-cell anemia
B) genetic drift
C) migration
D) increased mutation rates
E) natural selection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The HbS allele is responsible for sickle-cell anemia, a disease caused by abnormal hemoglobin in red blood cells. Individuals with one copy of the allele have a selective advantage against malaria, which is endemic in West Africa. Therefore, natural selection favored the HbS allele, leading to its increased frequency in the population over time.

The HbS Allele Increased in Frequency in West African Populations