The example that the heterozygote Hb^S Hb^A, one sickle-cell allele and one normal one, was maintained in some populations as the fittest phenotype for a malarial environment demonstrates

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The maintenance of the Hb^S Hb^A genotype in some populations despite its association with sickle cell disease is an example of balanced polymorphism. In regions with high rates of malaria, individuals carrying one sickle-cell allele and one normal allele (heterozygotes) have increased resistance to malaria while avoiding the detrimental effects of sickle-cell disease that occur in individuals with two sickle-cell alleles. This phenomenon maintains genetic diversity and is an example of adaptation to a specific environment.

The Example That the Heterozygote HbS HbA, One Sickle-Cell Allele

The Example That the Heterozygote Hb^S Hb^A, One Sickle-Cell Allele