The example of the sickle-cell allele demonstrates a key aspect of evolution through natural selection,in that
A) adaptation and fitness are in relation to the individual organism, not the general population.
B) human populations in the tropics are the most susceptible to random changes caused by natural selection.
C) natural selection increases the variety in a population upon which subsequent natural selective processes can act.
D) adaptation and fitness are in relation to specific environments; traits are not universally adaptive or maladaptive.
E) although natural selection usually acts upon the phenotype, it can sometimes act upon the genotype.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sickle-cell allele demonstrates that adaptation and fitness are in relation to specific environments, as the allele is adaptive in areas with high prevalence of malaria but maladaptive in areas without malaria. This highlights the importance of understanding the adaptive value of traits in specific contexts rather than assuming universal adaptiveness.

The Example of the Sickle-Cell Allele Demonstrates a Key Aspect