Evolution for epidemiologists.
Because humans are biological organisms, human health and disease should be understandable within the context of modern evolutionary theory. Although health is not necessarily maximized by evolution and disease is not generally adaptive, a vast amount of human suffering can be captured with relatively few explanatory categories that are consistent with evolutionary logic. Synthesizing epidemiology and evolutionary thinking can generate novel insights into causes and prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies for disease.
Reiber
Chris
C
Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY), Binghamton, NY 13902, USA. creiber@binghamton.edu
D005075:Biological Evolution; D015510:Clinical Medicine / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D004813:Epidemiology / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011634:Public Health / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D012106:Research / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends