Evolutionary Mismatch: Novel Environments and Disease

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According to Nesse and Williams, what are the categories of evolutionary explanations of disease?

Seven categories

Four categories and two exceptions

Five categories and one exception

Six categories (correct)

What is the difference between a defect and a defense in relation to disease?

A defect is a intentional response, whereas a defense is a unintentional response

A defect is a chronic condition, whereas a defense is an acute condition

A defect is a happenstance result with no particular utility, whereas a defense is a deliberate response (correct)

A defect is a harmful response, whereas a defense is a helpful response

Why do humans still get diseases despite the body's sophisticated design?

The body is a bundle of careful compromises (correct)

Natural selection is not powerful enough

Humans are not adapted to modern environments

Diseases are a result of random mutations

What is the significance of a fair-skinned person's skin turning blue when they have pneumonia?

It's a result of the body's attempt to compensate for lack of oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Why can't humans grow a replacement for a damaged finger?

The body's design is a bundle of careful compromises Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible explanation for why humans can't live to be 200 years old?

The body is a bundle of careful compromises Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why certain genes that cause disease have been selected for?

They provide a benefit to the bearer or others with the gene in a different combination Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of the gene that causes sickle-cell?

It prevents malaria Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an evolutionary trade-off in human evolution?

The ability to walk upright Signup and view all the answers

Why are many of the body’s apparent design flaws not considered mistakes?

They are compromises to achieve a greater advantage Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary to better understand disease?

To understand the hidden benefits of apparent mistakes in design Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a sexually antagonistic gene?

A gene that benefits fathers at the expense of mothers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the development of most preventable modern diseases?

Due to the mismatch between our bodies and modern environments Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a novel environment that contributes to the development of a disease?

Migration to a new geographic location Signup and view all the answers

Why do some genes that cause disease persist in the population?

Because natural selection has not had time to remove them Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a gene that was harmless in our natural environment but causes problems in modern environments?

A gene that causes nearsightedness Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of how lifestyle changes can contribute to the development of disease?

Increased caloric availability Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a novel environment that can disrupt natural circadian rhythms?

Exposure to artificial light at night Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of evolutionary change?

It can only make small changes that are immediately beneficial Signup and view all the answers

Why would relocating the nostrils to the neck not be a viable solution?

It would require a major redesign of the respiratory system Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of the mouse's ability to detect cat odor?

It enables the mouse to avoid predators more effectively Signup and view all the answers

Why should the doctor not prescribe the drug to dull the sense of smell in mice?

It would reduce the mice's ability to detect predators Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern for pediatricians treating children with colds?

Mitigating the unpleasant symptoms of the cold Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of the relationship between disease and natural selection?

Diseases can drive the evolution of defense mechanisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cough defense mechanism?

To expel mucus and foreign matter from the respiratory tract Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of eliminating a defense mechanism in the body?

It can be catastrophic Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of the relationship between humans and pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses?

An endless arms race Signup and view all the answers

Why is it impossible to eradicate all infections?

Because of the continuous evolution of pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a defect and a defense in relation to disease?

A defect is a malfunction, while a defense is a protective response Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of natural selection in the context of disease?

It shapes the body's defenses against pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of fever in response to infection?

To combat infection and eliminate pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What happens when cold-blooded lizards are infected and cannot move to a warm place?

They are more likely to die Signup and view all the answers

Why does Matt Kluger believe that using drugs to suppress fever can be harmful?

Because fever can make people sicker and even die Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the lizard's ability to raise its body temperature?

It helps the lizard to combat infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of body temperature in infection?

It is carefully regulated to combat infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of suppressing fever with drugs, according to Matt Kluger?

People are more likely to die Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an adaptive host response to infection?

Fever Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the lizard's body temperature when it is infected?

It rises Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of fever in the context of disease and evolution?

It is a defense mechanism against infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between fever and infection?

Fever is a response to infection Signup and view all the answers