Multiple Choice
How can altruistic behaviors evolve through natural selection?
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1. Introduction to Biology
Natural Selection and Evolution
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How does Dr. Allison’s work provide an example of natural selection in humans?
A
He demonstrated that individuals with the sickle cell allele have increased resistance to malaria, leading to higher survival rates in regions where malaria is common.
B
He found that environmental changes have no effect on the frequency of genetic traits in human populations.
C
He proved that all genetic mutations in humans are harmful and decrease survival.
D
He showed that humans can consciously choose traits to pass on to their offspring.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of natural selection: Natural selection is the process by which individuals with traits that provide a survival or reproductive advantage are more likely to pass those traits on to the next generation. Over time, this leads to an increase in the frequency of advantageous traits in a population.
Identify the key aspect of Dr. Allison’s work: Dr. Allison studied the relationship between the sickle cell allele and malaria resistance. He observed that individuals with one copy of the sickle cell allele (heterozygous) had increased resistance to malaria, which is a significant survival advantage in regions where malaria is prevalent.
Connect the sickle cell allele to natural selection: In areas with high malaria prevalence, individuals with the sickle cell allele are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing the allele to their offspring. This demonstrates how environmental factors (malaria prevalence) influence the frequency of genetic traits (sickle cell allele) in human populations.
Eliminate incorrect interpretations: Dr. Allison’s work does not support the idea that environmental changes have no effect on genetic traits, nor does it suggest that all genetic mutations are harmful. Additionally, humans cannot consciously choose traits to pass on to their offspring; traits are inherited based on genetic and environmental factors.
Summarize the example of natural selection: Dr. Allison’s findings illustrate natural selection in humans by showing how the sickle cell allele provides a survival advantage in malaria-endemic regions, leading to its increased frequency in those populations.
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