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> the andean evolution and the tibetan evolution which are a bit different - which makes this a case of convergent evolution. Only in function; they're very di
by thaumasiotes 2y ago
> the andean evolution and the tibetan evolution which are a bit different - which makes this a case of convergent evolution.
Only in function; they're very different in form. The Tibetan suite of adaptations uses more efficient hemoglobin; the Andean suite uses larger amounts of hemoglobin.
This is generally explained as reflecting the much, much, much, much greater age of the Tibetan suite.
There is a third standard example of a suite of high-altitude adaptations in humans, found in Ethiopian highlanders. For whatever reason, it sees almost 100% less discussion.
- o11c 2y ago> third standard example Probably because people don't think of Africa as having much extended elevation. And by-and-large, the continent is pretty flat (only Australia and Europe-ignoring-the-Alps are flatter). It's very difficult to find (or even define) a list of non-mountain high points in the world, but "average elevation of country" (which is only unreasonable for a handful of the largest countries) is easier to find, and Ethiopia is only around 19th place in such lists (17th if we exclude Greenland and Antarctica which are not actually countries), not even the highest in Africa.