Read the paragraphs regarding living at high altitudes. The native Tibetans are well adapted to living at such a high altitude. What do they have that is unique? What does this gene help to do?
1 answer
As for how people adapt to living at high altitudes - the Tibetan people, in particular, have a unique genetic adaptation that allows them to thrive at such heights. They possess a gene that helps them more effectively use oxygen, which is in short supply at altitude. Unlike many other populations that live at high altitude, Tibetans don't produce additional red blood cells to cope with the lack of oxygen; instead, their bodies simply use what they have more efficiently. This genetic adaptation helps to prevent altitude sickness and allows them to live and work in areas where oxygen levels are much lower than those at sea level.