Question

what will happen to the frequency of the recessive allele for the hbs gene when there is an outbreak of malaria? the frequency will increase. the frequency will decrease. the frequency will remain constant. it is impossible to predict how the allele frequency will change. the frequency will be cut in half with each generation.

Explanation:

Individuals with the sickle - cell trait (heterozygous for the HbS gene) have some resistance to malaria. During a malaria outbreak, those with the sickle - cell trait are more likely to survive and reproduce. This leads to an increase in the frequency of the recessive HbS allele in the population over time.

Answer:

The frequency will increase.