Biology question, please help!?

[JEFFREY P]

Yes. Sickle cells evolved as a defense against malaria. The sickle shape of the cell limits its oxygen producing ability, and when you contract malaria and have sickle cells, the malaria die from hypoxia (lack of Oxygen). The bad news is that while the malaria wont kill you, having sickle cell anemia can cause problems. But at least youre alive.

 

[Brooke M]

The worldwide distribution of sickle gene matches very closely to the worldwide distribution
of Malaria. Is this significant?