Asked by Melissa Kasper on Aug 01, 2024
Verified
During the conquest of Mexico,outbreaks played an important role that favored the Spaniards.There were several outbreaks of smallpox that killed thousands of natives.Smallpox was introduced into America by the Europeans.Why were the natives particularly afflicted by smallpox outbreaks?
A) Among natives, the proportion of susceptibles was higher.
B) Among Spaniards, the proportion of immunes was extremely low.
C) Spaniards had the cure for smallpox.
D) Natives had a gene that made them more prone to die from smallpox.
E) Spaniards were protected from smallpox because they had armors.
Smallpox
A highly contagious and deadly disease caused by the variola virus, which was eradicated globally in 1980 through vaccination efforts.
Conquest of Mexico
The event in which the Spanish, led by Cortez, defeated and took control over the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century.
Susceptibles
Individuals within a population who are at risk of contracting a disease or condition because they have not yet developed immunity or resistance.
- Comprehend the historical impact of infectious diseases on human populations, including factors contributing to disease susceptibility and spread.
Verified Answer
CS
Constance ShermanAug 01, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
Because natives were not introduced to the smallpox virus until after the Spaniards arrived,all of them were susceptibles.In a population with a higher proportion of susceptibles,outbreaks can initiate and spread easily.Spaniards had a better balance between susceptibles and immunes; therefore the likelihood of an outbreak happening among them was much lower.
Learning Objectives
- Comprehend the historical impact of infectious diseases on human populations, including factors contributing to disease susceptibility and spread.