The peoples of the high-altitude regions of the world have long fascinated both scientists and laymen from the lowlands. This book, while it draws heavily on the research conducted in the International Biological Programme, is a comprehensive review of our knowledge about the biology of the high-altitude peoples of the world. While several other accounts have considered the general problems of human populations living and working under the reduced oxygen pressure found at high altitude, this volume is the first attempt to analyse the total human biology of the peoples of the world living in extremely high mountain areas. The contributors are experts in a variety of topics within human biology. In addition, each has conducted personal research in the high-altitude areas such as the Andes, Ethiopian highlands, Himalayas or Tien Shan mountains. While the book is not designed for the layman, technical language has been reduced in an effort to make the various topics covered comprehensible to professionals working in any branch of the sciences concerned with man.
Contents
Foreword J. S. Weiner; 1. IBP high-altitude research: development and strategies P. T. Baker; 2. The high-altitude areas of the world and their cultures I. G. Pawson and C. Jest; 3. A genetic description of high-altitude populations R. Cruz-Coke; 4. Fertility and early growth E. J. Clegg; 5. Human growth and development among high-altitude populations A. R. Frisancho; 6. Work capacity of high-altitude natives E. R. Buskirk; 7. The haematological characteristics of high-altitude populations J. C. Quilici and H. Vergnes; 8. The food and nutrition of high-altitude populations E. Picon-Reategui; 9. The responses of high-altitude populations to cold and other stresses M. A. Little and J. M. Hanna; 10. Biological and physiological characteristics of the high-altitude natives of Tien Shan and the Pamirs M. M. Mirrakhimov; 11. The adaptive fitness of high-altitude populations P. T. Baker; Index.
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