Malaria has influenced human evolution because it has contributed to the development of ______________ in humans.

Question

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Malaria is caused by a parasite that infects red blood cells. Individuals who carry the sickle cell trait (only one copy of the sickle cell gene) have an advantage in regions where malaria is prevalent. The sickle cell shape of their red blood cells makes it more difficult for the malaria parasite to survive, reducing the severity of infections. As a result, the sickle cell trait is more common in areas with high malaria rates, and this is an example of natural selection at work. However, individuals who inherit two copies of the sickle cell gene (sickle cell disease) can experience serious health problems.

Malaria Has Influenced Human Evolution Because It Has Contributed to the Development