Sickle Cell Anemia is a disorder caused by a genetic mutation, meaning that it is passed through the bloodline of people who have it. It is possible for people to have
only one sickle cell gene, so they do not have the disorder themselves. These people
may pass that gene to their children. The disorder alters a protein that affects the
shape of the blood cells.
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a parasite: it is spread by the bite of an
infected mosquito. People catch malaria when the parasite enters the blood. The
parasite causes a deadly infection which kills many people each year.
Use the two maps below to address the following questions for 2 points each:
1. Explain how the distribution of sickle cell anemia relates to the distribution of
malaria in Africa.
2. Identify another continent or area that is likely to have a higher rate sickle cell
anemia beside Africa.
3. Propose a theory that relates how the mutation that causes sickle cell anemia
became more common in areas with high risks of contracting malaria.