An Increased Susceptibility to Developing Myopia, Shortsightedness, Is Thought to Be

question 30

Multiple Choice

An increased susceptibility to developing myopia, shortsightedness, is thought to be a consequence of spending time doing "near work," in which the eye is focused on an object, such as a book or computer, less than two feet away. What is the most likely evolutionary explanation for this phenomenon?

• A) Natural selection has not had time to catch up with rapid changes in the environment, for example, humans' work environments.
• B) Humans are locked in a coevolutionary arms race with pathogens.
• C) Natural selection favors reproductive success, even at the expense of vulnerability to disease.
• D) Some defenses may be unpleasant to experience, but they are beneficial adaptations rather than maladies.

---

Definitions:

Left Hemisphere

The left side of the brain, which is typically associated with analytical tasks, language processing, and logic.

Subliminal Perception

The process by which stimuli are below the threshold of consciousness but still influence thoughts, feelings, or actions.

Detergent

Detergent is a cleaning substance designed to remove dirt, stains, and other contaminants from surfaces and fabrics through a chemical action that typically involves surfactants.

Split-Brain Surgery

A medical procedure that involves cutting the corpus callosum to treat severe epilepsy, leading to the separation of the brain's two hemispheres.