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High-altitude adaptation in humans
Certain human populations around the world have the natural ability to survive and live comfortably at high altitudes as a result of evolutionary adaptation, which causes irreversible and long-term physiological responses to high-altitude environments associated with heritable behavioural and genetic changes. These populations are indigenous inhabitants of highly elevated regions on Earth, including Tibet and the Andes, and hence thrive in conditions that would cause the rest of the human population to suffer serious health consequences. The capability, or lack thereof, to sustain oneself at a high elevation without the aid of specialized devices (such as a breathing apparatus) is particularly due to structural and functional differences in the regulatory systems of oxygen respiration and blood circulation. Around 81.6 million people (roughly 1.1% of the global population) live permanently at altitudes above 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) and as high as 5,100 metres (16,700 ft). Extended exposure...
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