Between 1997 and 2007,mobile Cell Phone Subscriptions Have Steadily Increased

question 37

Essay

Between 1997 and 2007,mobile cell phone subscriptions have steadily increased from 18 users per 100 inhabitants to roughly 97 users per 100 inhabitants in developed countries.During this same time,diagnosed cases of autism have also steadily increased from around 50,000 to 250,000.Your friend decides that cell phones must cause autism.Briefly describe what your response would be to your friend's conclusion,indicating any possible relationship(s)that may or may not exist.

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Definitions:

Molecular Evolution

The process of evolution at the scale of DNA, RNA, and proteins, encompassing changes in molecular structure and sequence over time.

Genetic Drift

Random fluctuations in the frequencies of alleles within a population due to chance events.

Natural Selection

A process by which species adapt to their environment as individuals with traits conducive to survival and reproduction pass those traits to their offspring.

Nonsynonymous Mutation

A type of nucleotide substitution in a gene sequence that leads to the coding of a different amino acid, potentially altering the function of the protein.