How will the tragedy of the HIV epidemic effect human evolution?

In summary, Europeans experienced a genetic bottlenecking due to the Black Death, HIV is still relatively new, and it is possible that the virus will evolve to become more easily transmittable through mosquitos.
  • #1
trueuniverse
16
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I believe I read the Black Death or Black Plague that effected Europe created a noticeable genetic bottlenecking in Europeans. HIV is still relatively new, but has anyone heard or have any ideas how HIV may effect human genetics and culture?
 
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  • #2
Hiv

The HIV-Aids thing will be a little different. It is primarily spread around by people sleeping around (instead of rats and fleas) so basically those that have less sex have a much smaller chance of being affected by it. Exceptions being rapes, botched blood transfusions (rarely occurs anymore), and some other occurence I might not have listed.

Even if they do find a way to cure it though the people in less advanced countries will be out of luck for a while.
 
  • #3
Avid said:
The HIV-Aids thing will be a little different. It is primarily spread around by people sleeping arounnd ... so basically those that have less sex have a much smaller chance of being affected by it.
So those that have the disease and have some resistance to it allowing them to have and raise children should be more likely to pass on that resistance?
Syphillis is sexually transmitted and has greatly reduced in lethality in the few centuries since it hit the west.

The nasty effect is going to come if/when the HIV virus evolves the ability to live in mosquitos for long enough to be transmitted person/person. It's a good job there is no such thing as evolution in the southern USA.
 
  • #4
Well, naturally those with the stronger genes will live and reproduce (duh) but even people with less than resilient genes will have better chances of survival if they avoid contracting HIV-Aids in the first place while it is semi possible to avoid.

I have also been worried about how the virus will evolve. If/when the virus did evlove to where it was transmitted by mosquitos or fleas the world would definitely become a genes race unless some measures were taken and it wasn't too widely spread by the time they realized that was the cause.

I thought this was going to be a friendly homework help forum...(I'm originally from the middle-north USA but moved due to a death in the family).
 

Related to How will the tragedy of the HIV epidemic effect human evolution?

1. How will the HIV epidemic affect the genetic diversity of the human population?

The HIV epidemic has the potential to decrease genetic diversity in the human population. This is because individuals who are infected with HIV may have a shorter lifespan and fewer opportunities to reproduce, leading to a decrease in their genetic contribution to future generations. Additionally, individuals who carry a genetic mutation that makes them resistant to HIV may have a reproductive advantage, leading to an increase in the prevalence of this mutation in the population.

2. Will the HIV epidemic lead to the evolution of a cure or immunity to the virus?

It is possible that the HIV epidemic may lead to the evolution of a cure or immunity to the virus. Natural selection favors individuals who are resistant to diseases, so over time, genetic mutations that provide resistance to HIV may become more prevalent in the population. However, this process may take a long time and is not guaranteed to happen.

3. How will the HIV epidemic impact the survival of the human species?

The impact of the HIV epidemic on the survival of the human species is difficult to predict. While the virus has caused significant harm and loss of life, advancements in medical treatments and prevention methods have greatly reduced its impact. It is possible that continued efforts in research and education may prevent the virus from having a significant impact on the survival of the human species.

4. Is there evidence of natural selection related to the HIV epidemic?

There is evidence of natural selection related to the HIV epidemic. Researchers have identified genetic mutations that provide resistance to HIV, such as the CCR5-Δ32 mutation. This mutation is more prevalent in populations with a history of exposure to HIV, suggesting that natural selection has favored individuals with this mutation.

5. What long-term effects could the HIV epidemic have on human evolution?

The long-term effects of the HIV epidemic on human evolution are uncertain and may vary depending on factors such as the effectiveness of medical treatments and prevention methods. However, it is possible that the epidemic may lead to changes in the prevalence of certain genetic mutations, as well as changes in behavior and social practices that could impact the evolution of the human species.

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