ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the crucial problem faced by populations inhabiting high altitude zones: hypoxia, or low oxygen pressure. Other problems associated with high altitude adaptation are cold stress, aridity, shallow soils, steep slopes, low biological productivity, and pulmonary disease. The chapter focuses on adjustments made by Andean populations coping with high altitude stresses. Research on human adaptability to high altitudes is among the most advanced and well-integrated work in biocultural and environmental anthropology. High altitudes have been the subject of intensive research in human biology and ecology. In most other biomes, cultural practices can play a major buffering action. Mountainous regions have complex distributions of biotic communities. Three major ecological features are relevant to human habitation: vertical biotic zonation, irregular biotic distribution, and geologic features such as slope and rugged terrain. Human societies overcome low productivity through trade, exchange networks, and seasonal migration to more productive zones.
