The frequency of heterozygosity for the sickle cell anemia allele is unusually high, presumably because this reduces the frequency of malaria. Such a relationship is related to which of the following?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The relationship between increased frequency of heterozygosity for the sickle cell anemia allele and reduced frequency of malaria is an example of natural selection. Individuals with one copy of the sickle cell anemia allele have some resistance to malaria, making them more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation. Over time, this can lead to an increase in the frequency of the sickle cell allele in populations where malaria is a common disease. This is an example of Darwin's explanation of natural selection.

The Frequency of Heterozygosity for the Sickle Cell Anemia Allele