Biology/El Alto, Bolivia
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Question
In what way are the inhabitants of El Alto, Bolivia different from other people?
Thanks
Thanks for using AllExperts. I suspect that this question is asking about the adaptation to high-altitude living (El Alto is at an elevation of 4150 m) compared to life at sea level. People who live at high altitudes undergo a variety of physiological changes that compensate for the decreased ambient oxygen; these individuals may be thought of as having the same energy demands and same demand for oxygen as people living at sea level, but having to acquire that oxygen with more difficulty.
The two biggest changes both relate to the blood. These include increased concentration of hemoglobin in the blood and a higher affinity of that hemoglobin for oxygen. A greater number of red blood cells is produced as well. Both of these changes occur over a period of two weeks or so and allow the body to take in more oxygen with each breath. More capillaries also develop to facilitate additional oxygen transport.
A more complete overview of the physiological adaptation to altitude can be found here:
http://www.bio.davidson.edu/courses/anphys/1999/Yusi/adaptation.html
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John Locke
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I will answer all biology-related questions through the undergraduate level. I will explain unclear concepts and suggest approaches to solving problems, but would prefer not to completely solve homework problems for you. If you are completely stumped on homework, tell me what you already know and I will help you as much as possible. Please do not ask me for ideas on school research projects; part of research is determining a suitable area of investigation, and that's not a task that should be completed by someone else. Please don't simply send me your homework for solutions. If you are having difficulty after you have started an analysis, I will be happy to direct your thinking; in particular, I would prefer to not simply solve pedigrees for students, but I will be happy to assist in solving pedigrees that you have already started. If you don't understand how to analyze a pedigree, I'd highly recommend watching this video, in which a biology professor explains the basic concepts of pedigree analysis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbIHjsn5cHo
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I have a BS in Bioengineering with a concentration in Chemical Engineering (which included a heavy focus on biology), and have taught biology, biochemistry, and related subjects for some time now.
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