Syllabus: Paper I > 9.7 Concepts and methods of Ecological Anthropology > Human adaptability
Genes That Influence Human Survival — 2018 Paper I
Question · 2018 · Paper I · 10 Marks
Categorize Genes that influence Human Survival.
Model Answer
VAID ICSApproach
- Demand of Question: Classify genes according to their effects on viability and survival of individuals.
- Structuring the Response: Arrange genes from lethal to survival-enhancing categories and illustrate their biological consequences.
- Key Dimensions to Cover: Lethal, semilethal, sub-vital, vital and super-vital genes, viability and natural selection.
Model Answer
Introduction: Genes can be classified according to their effect on the viability or survival of individuals carrying particular genotypes. Their effects range from death before reproduction to enhanced survival.
Major categories
| Category | Effect on survival |
| Lethal genes | Cause death of the individual |
| Semi-lethal genes | Cause mortality in a large proportion of carriers |
| Sub-vital genes | Reduce survival or reproductive fitness |
| Vital/neutral genes | Produce little or no measurable effect on viability |
| Super-vital genes | Confer greater survival or reproductive advantage |
- Lethal genes: May cause death during embryonic, prenatal or postnatal life. Many lethal alleles persist when they are recessive and hidden in heterozygotes.
- Semi-lethal genes: Considerably reduce viability, though some affected individuals survive.
- Sub-vital genes: Reduce fitness without necessarily causing death, for example by increasing susceptibility to disease.
- Super-vital genes: Increase fitness under particular ecological conditions.
A classic population-genetic example is the HbS allele: HbSS has severe fitness costs, while HbAS can provide protection against severe malaria in endemic environments.
Thus:
Gene × Environment → Differential survival → Natural selection
Conclusion: Genes affecting survival form a continuum from lethal to advantageous, and their evolutionary fate depends upon genotype, environment and reproductive fitness.
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