As Described in the Textbook, Certain Populations Engaged in Farming

question 24

Multiple Choice

As described in the textbook, certain populations engaged in farming practices that ended up increasing rates of malaria.Which of the following statements best describes the importance of this finding to the study of culture and biology?

• A) Since high malaria rates select for the gene responsible for sickle-cell anemia, this finding demonstrates that cultural practices can affect the genetic risk for certain diseases.
• B) Since malaria has a high mortality rate, this finding demonstrates that cultural practices can lead to the gradual elimination of a particular group for biological reasons.
• C) Since malaria is carried by certain livestock, this finding demonstrates that biological diseases are affected by cultural norms regarding how near to livestock one should live.
• D) Since malaria is a genetic disease, this finding demonstrates that cultural practices can be strong enough to change the prevalence of genes that cause malaria.
• E) Since the prevalence of malaria leads to more traditional healers claiming they can help malaria sufferers, this finding demonstrates that biological diseases can change health beliefs.