IB Biology IA idea · Genetics and evolution with databases

IB Biology IA idea: does the sickle cell allele follow malaria on the map?

A harmful allele can persist if it protects against something worse. Test whether it follows malaria across the world.

Genetics and evolution with databases
SL stretch
HL ideal
Database Extended Essay potential

By Photon Academy · Updated 13 November 2026

These ideas are starting points, not an IA to copy. Never copy an idea blindly: make the question, method and analysis your own, and check your plan with your teacher.

Example research question

To adapt, never to copy

How does malaria prevalence (%, in 10 regions or countries) relate to the sickle-cell allele frequency (%) in each region's population, using published open maps and tables?

Change the system, the range or the method so the question is yours. Check it against the research question checklist in our Biology IA guide.

Variables

You change: malaria prevalence in the region, 8 or more regions or countries, percent
You measure: frequency of the sickle-cell allele, percent
You keep the same: same year range for malaria data
same source for allele frequencies
same region boundaries
same sampling rule

Method

Collect published sickle-cell allele frequencies and malaria prevalence for the same regions from open maps and tables. Build one table by region.

Data analysis

Scatter graph with Spearman correlation and a note on outliers (such as migrant populations). Discuss heterozygote advantage with a Hardy-Weinberg calculation.

How it works

You change Malaria prevalence (%) and measure Sickle allele frequency (%) in Regional population data, keeping Regions, Year of data, Data source the same. Expect a graph of Sickle-cell allele frequency / % against Malaria prevalence / %: A rise would fit the advantage of being a carrier.

Make it yours

Compare with another malaria-related variant, such as the Duffy-negative allele.

Extended Essay angle

A natural EE in human evolution: test the malaria hypothesis with spatial data and modelling.

Safety

Public, anonymous data only.

Data sources

malariaatlas.org

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