Evolutionary Genetics: Human Adaptations

Question 1

Which one of the following is an example of genetic adaptation at high altitude
A. Decrease in blood oxygen saturation
B. Having hemoglobin variant wigh higher oxygen affinity
C. Increase in blood hemoglobin concentration
D. Increase in resting heart rate
E. Slowing of physical activity

Answer 1

B. Having hemoglobin variant wigh higher oxygen affinity

Question 2

what is the difference between high altitude adaptation between Andean and Tibetan populations?
A. Andean populations have higher birth rate
B. Andean populations have higher exercise tolerance
C. Andean populations have higher hemoglobin concentration
D. Tibetan populations have lower capillary density
E. Tibetan populations have lower pumonary capacity.

Answer 2

C. Andean populations have higher hemoglobin concentration

Question 3

True or False?

Individuals with different skin color have the same number of melanocytes?

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Which one of the following is an antagonist for melanogenesis?
A. alpha-MSH
B. ASIP
C. cAMP
D. MCR1
E. Pro-opiomelanocortin

Answer 4

B. ASIP

agouti signaling protein (ASIP)

Question 5

The dosage of the gene for which one of the following enzymes is increased in populations with historically high dietary intake of starch?
A. alpha-Galactosidase
B. Maltase-glucoamylase
C. Pancreatic amylase
D. Salivary amylase
E. Sucrose isomalase

Answer 5

D. Salivary amylase

Question 6

Which ones of the following hemoglobinopathies cannot be considered to be a genetic adaptation to malaria?
A. G6PD deficiency
B. Hemoglobin E
C. Polycythemia
D. Sick cell disease
E. Thalassemia

Answer 6

C. Polycythemia

Question 7

The Barker Hypothesis differs from the Thrifty Genotype Hypothesis in focusing on the effects of
A. Culmulative mutations
B. DNA repair
C. Epigenetic reprogramming
D. Pangenesis
E. Recurrent mutations

Answer 7

C. Epigenetic reprogramming
Thrifty Genotype Hypothesis: as hunter gatherers we were often in states of starvations so benefited from quick insulin response and storage of fat and glucose, today though this attributes to obesity. Genetic-environment mismatch.
The Barker Hypothesis (Thrify Phenotype Hypothesis) is about epigenetic reproramming from maternal malnutrition during pregnancy during Dutch Faminine and WWII. Led to exaggerated ability to increase fat mass. Epigenetic-environmental mismatch.