Question

Chapter 10: Physiology and Behavior

Humans have evolved the ability to exist almost anywhere in the world including areas of extreme cold and heat.  Discuss adjustments humans have to make to live in extreme environments and what physiological and behavioral differences would you expect in people who live in extreme environments.

First- define or operationalize "extreme environments"

Second- provide your rationale and justification

Answer 1

First- define or operationalize "extreme environments"

An extreme environment is a habitat that is considered very hard to survive in due to its considerably extreme conditions such as temperature, accessibility to different energy sources or under high pressure. For an area to be considered an extreme environment, it must contain certain conditions and aspects that are considered very hard for other life forms to survive. Pressure conditions may be extremely high or low; high or low content of oxygen or carbon dioxide in the atmosphere; high levels of radiation, acidity, or alkalinity; absence of water; water containing a high concentration of salt or sugar; the presence of sulphur, petroleum, and other toxic substances.

Examples of extreme environments include the geographical poles, very arid deserts, volcanoes, deep ocean trenches, upper atmosphere, Mt Everest etc.

Second- provide your rationale and justification.

Let us consider the example of people living in Arctic north pole regions to understand the adjustments humans have to make to live in extreme environments.

Traditionally, Arctic native peoples lived primarily from hunting, fishing, herding, and gathering wild plants for food, although some people also practice farming, particularly in Greenland. Northern people found many different ways to adapt to the harsh Arctic climate, developing warm dwellings and clothing to protect them from frigid weather. They also learned how to predict the weather and navigate in boats and on sea ice.

What physiological and behavioral differences would you expect in people who live in extreme environments?

Physiological & Behavioral differences for Arctic people: Traditionally, arctic people consume large quantities of high calorie fatty foods. This significantly increases the basal metabolic rate, which, in turn, results in the production of extra body heat. These peoples also wear heavy clothing, often sleep in a huddle with their bodies next to each other, and remain active when outdoors.