1. Select only ONE of the following environmental stresses:
(a) heat, (b) high levels of solar radiation, (c) cold, or (d) high altitude.
Discuss specifically how this environmental stress negatively impacts the
survival of humans by disturbing homeostasis. (5 pts)
High altitude is an environmental stressor that can negatively impact
the survival of humans by disturbing homeostasis. With the increase in
elevation, there is a decrease in atmospheric pressing, meaning that there is
less oxygen with every breath you take compared to sea level. Your body will
need to work much harder to obtain the oxygen that it needs. If exposed to high
altitudes for extended periods of time, you may experience anoxia; which is a
lack of sufficient oxygen in your blood.
2. Identify 4 ways in which humans have adapted to this
stress, choosing one specific adaptation from each of the different types of
adaptations listed above (short term, facultative, developmental and cultural).
Include images of the adaptations. (5 pts each/ 20 pts total)
Short term: Increased breathing and heart
rate.
Facultative: Increase
of lung size, and number of red blood cells due to acclimation.
Developmental: There
are a few populations that habitually live in extremely high elevations. They
have evolved and developed several mechanisms for adapting to high altitude.
Some of these include a higher birth weight, lung capacity, breathing, and
resting metabolism.
3. What are the benefits of studying human variation from
this perspective across environmental clines? Can information from explorations
like this be useful to help us in any way? Offer one example of how this
information can be used in a productive way. (5 pts)
Studying the effects of high altitude is important for understanding
how the human body works. Mountaineers can especially value knowing the effects
of altitude when climbing. It can also be helpful to skiers, snowboarders or to
anyone who will find him or herself in a high altitude area. Athletes sometimes
train in high altitudes to build a greater resistance to fatigue.
4. How would you use race to understand the variation of the
adaptations you listed in #2? Explain why the study of environmental influences
on adaptations is a better way to understand human variation than by the use of
race. (10 pts)
I think using race
would only be beneficial to understand how people of similar geographic
locations and adaptations have evolved throughout time. It is better to study
the environmental factors to avoid generalization and racism. Environmental
stressors can cause adaptations in anyone. These adaptions just take time.
Dear Anne,
ReplyDeleteI liked all the examples you provide about how high altitudes were negatively impacting humans. I also like how you won't use race as a factor to understand variation. Race has to do with one's cultural background and not with one's skin color. It not an effective way to study adaptations. You were very well thought out in your explanations. Great post!
Freddie Svendsen
Good opening explanation of the hypoxia stress.
ReplyDeleteThe traits for short term, facultative, and long term are correct. The description for long term was well done. I would have liked to have seen similar explanations for short term and facultative, explaining how these actually helped address the stress. Your listed cultural traits are actually biological. Cultural traits would be altering the activity patterns or even the use of artificial oxygens supplies, such as the tanks mountain climbers use. There are even some suggestions that the habit of native people of chewing cocoa leaves helps with high altitude stress. These are all cultural adaptations.
Good discussion on the benefits of the environmental approach and I appreciated your thoughtful discussion on the use of race.