The Neo Nerd
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High-altitude adaptation in humans - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
High-altitude adaptation in humans is an instance of evolutionary modification in human populations, most notably among the Tibetans, as well as Andean and Ethiopian highlanders, who have acquired a unique ability to survive at extremely high altitudes. The phrase is used to signify irreversible, long-term physiological responses to high-altitude environments, associated with heritable behavioural and genetic changes. While the rest of human population would suffer serious health consequences, these native inhabitants thrive well in the highest parts of the world, such as the Himalayas, Andes and Ethiopia. These people have undergone extensive physiological and genetic changes, particularly in the regulatory systems of respiration and circulation, when compared to the general lowland population.[1][2] This special adaptation is now recognised as one of the finest examples of natural selection in action.[3] In fact, the adaptation account of the Tibetans has become the fastest case of human evolution in the scientific record, as it is estimated to occur in less than 3,000 years.[4][5][6]
High-altitude adaptation in humans is an instance of evolutionary modification in human populations, most notably among the Tibetans, as well as Andean and Ethiopian highlanders, who have acquired a unique ability to survive at extremely high altitudes. The phrase is used to signify irreversible, long-term physiological responses to high-altitude environments, associated with heritable behavioural and genetic changes. While the rest of human population would suffer serious health consequences, these native inhabitants thrive well in the highest parts of the world, such as the Himalayas, Andes and Ethiopia. These people have undergone extensive physiological and genetic changes, particularly in the regulatory systems of respiration and circulation, when compared to the general lowland population.[1][2] This special adaptation is now recognised as one of the finest examples of natural selection in action.[3] In fact, the adaptation account of the Tibetans has become the fastest case of human evolution in the scientific record, as it is estimated to occur in less than 3,000 years.[4][5][6]
