ANTH Final: PART 3 - Disease and Human Evolution

What is meant by the term 'host-pathogen arms race'?

It refers to the ongoing evolutionary struggle between hosts and pathogens, where each evolves new defenses or attack strategies in response to the other, a form of co-evolution.

Give examples of host-pathogen interactions in the arms race.

Examples include sickle cell trait as protection against malaria, bacterial resistance to antibiotics like MRSA, and rapid mutation of influenza viruses.

How have antibiotics impacted the host-pathogen arms race with bacteria?

Antibiotics have provided a major advantage to humans by killing or inhibiting bacteria; however, misuse has led to the evolution of antibiotic-resistant strains, posing a global health threat.

What factors relate to the epidemiological transition associated with disease ecology changes?

Factors include increased population density, proximity to domesticated animals, sedentary lifestyles, poor sanitation, and later industrialization effects like crowding and urbanization.

What do emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases indicate about natural selection in humans?

They indicate that humans are still evolving in response to pathogens, with diseases remaining a powerful selective force shaping human populations.

What is HIV and its relation to SIV?

HIV is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus causing AIDS in humans, originating from SIV (Simian Immunodeficiency Virus) in non-human primates, making it zoonotic.

What are zoonotic diseases? Give examples.

Zoonotic diseases are infections that spread from animals to humans; examples include HIV, COVID-19, and influenza.

What is adaptive (acquired) immunity?

Adaptive immunity is part of the immune system that develops specific responses to pathogens through exposure, involving memory cells for long-term protection.

Define an antibody.

An antibody is a protein produced by B cells in response to a specific antigen, neutralizing or marking pathogens for destruction.

What is a T-Helper cell?

A T-helper cell is a type of white blood cell crucial in the immune system, activating other immune cells like B cells and cytotoxic T cells.

What is an emerging infectious disease?

An emerging infectious disease is a newly identified or previously rare infection increasing in incidence or geographic range, such as SARS or Ebola.