In regions with a heavy malarial load, __________ have better reproductive fitness.
A) sickle cell disorder carriers
B) people who are homozygous for sickle cell disorder
C) people who do not have any sickle cell disorder alleles
D) all of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carriers of sickle cell disorder (heterozygotes) have an advantage in regions with high malaria prevalence as they are less likely to become severely ill with malaria, but still have some resistance due to the sickle cell trait. Homozygous individuals have sickle cell disorder and are more susceptible to negative health outcomes. People without any sickle cell disorder alleles have no added advantage in fighting malaria.

In Regions with a Heavy Malarial Load, __________ Have Better