Which of the Following Statements Best Describes the Relationship Between

question 1

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between the cultural practice of yam farming and a genetic mutation related to sickle-cell anemia?

• A) Yam farming had environmental consequences that increased malaria rates, which in turn selected for the genetic mutation related to sickle-cell anemia.
• B) Yam farming improved the quality of the local diet, which decreased malaria rates, and that in turn selected for the genetic mutation related to sickle-cell anemia.
• C) The genetic mutation related to sickle-cell anemia compromised the average health of the population, leading people to farm yams in order to improve their diet.
• D) The genetic mutation related to sickle-cell anemia protected people against malaria, allowing them to engage in sedentary agricultural practices such as yam farming.
• E) Yam farming and the genetic mutation related to sickle-cell anemia arose separately, but each one influenced the other in a cycle of mutual constitution.

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Definitions:

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism that determines its specific traits, often in contrast to its observable characteristics (phenotype).

Esterase Production

Refers to the biological synthesis of esterases, enzymes that split esters into an acid and an alcohol in a chemical reaction with water.

Beneficial Allele

An allele that contributes to an increased fitness of an organism, enhancing survival and reproduction in a specific environment.

Fixation

The process by which a genotype or allele reaches a frequency of 100% in a population, eliminating all other variations.