Suppose the mutation for the sickle cell disease gene first appeared in a region without malaria. The first carrier would have(1 point)

Question

Responses

been less likely to survive and reproduce than his peers.
been less likely to survive and reproduce than his peers.

died from sickle cell disease before reproducing.
died from sickle cell disease before reproducing.

had the same likelihood to survive and reproduce as his peers.
had the same likelihood to survive and reproduce as his peers.

been more likely to survive and reproduce than his peers.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

been less likely to survive and reproduce than his peers.

In a region without malaria, the mutation for the sickle cell gene would not confer any selective advantage. In fact, the presence of the sickle cell trait (being a carrier) would not provide any significant benefit, and in some cases, the homozygous condition (having two copies of the sickle cell gene) is associated with sickle cell disease, which can lead to decreased survival and reproductive success. Therefore, the first carrier would have been less likely to survive and reproduce compared to those without the mutation.