Stone age diseases and modern AIDS
2008
Stone Age Diseases and Modern AIDS
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Koch Arthur L
Primary Institution: Biology Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
Hypothesis
How did sexually transmitted diseases evolve in sparse human populations during the Stone Age?
Conclusion
The study suggests that many sexually transmitted diseases have adapted to be less virulent to ensure their survival and transmission among sparse populations.
Supporting Evidence
- Sexually transmitted diseases must be gentle to their hosts to survive.
- Pathogens that are too virulent may lead to the extinction of their host populations.
- Many STDs have evolved mechanisms to protect the fetus from infection.
Takeaway
This study talks about how diseases that spread through sex have changed over time to be less harmful to their hosts, especially in small groups of people.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website