Citation
Two Routes to Functional Adaptation: Tibetan and Andean High-Altitude Natives
TL;DR
Tibetans and Andeans use different physiological strategies for altitude
Comparative analysis showing Tibetans (blunted hemoglobin, increased blood flow) and Andeans (elevated hemoglobin) evolved different physiological solutions to the same environmental challenge of hypoxia.
This paper is central to the chapter's theme that convergence can occur at different levels: strong at functional outcomes, weaker at mechanisms and implementations. The same principle applies to business convergence.
Key Findings from Beall (2007)
- Tibetans and Andeans use different physiological strategies for altitude
- Tibetans: blunted hemoglobin response, increased blood flow
- Andeans: elevated hemoglobin concentration
- Multiple routes to the same functional adaptation