essay
Biocultural adaptations of the high altitude Sherpas of Nepal
people of south asia : the biological anthropology of india, pakistan, and nepal • New York • Published In 1984 • Pages: 387-420
By: Weitz, Charles A..
Abstract
Based on studies by other researchers and his own demographic survey, Weitz examines fertility, nutrition, disease, and mortality among the Sherpa in the Khumba region of the Nepal Himalayans. He also compares high altitude adaptation of the Khumba Sherpa with that of the Quechua from Andean Highlands. He compares lung volume, oxygen consumption, and the affects of hypoxia on fertility between the two populations. The Sherpa have a smaller lung capacity than the Quechua, although oxygen consumption is similar between the two groups, which suggests that humans adapt differently to high altitude environments. Assuming that hypoxia negatively affects fertility, the lower birth weight of Sherpa newborns compared to Quechua babies suggests that the latter are better adapted to higher altitudes.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2004
- Region
- Asia
- Sub Region
- Central Asia
- Document Type
- essay
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard ; 2002
- Field Date
- 1970-1971
- Coverage Date
- 1967-1974
- Coverage Place
- Khumba region, Nepal
- Notes
- Charles A. Weitz
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 417-420)
- LCCN
- 83027058
- LCSH
- Sherpa (Nepalese people)