Human Variation & Race Blog

Human Variation & Race

1.      Exposure to cold climates in humans increases the chances of developing hypothermia. Hypothermia develops when the core temperature drops to 94 degrees Fahrenheit. When core body temperature reaches 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the body cools more rapidly because its natural regulating system in the hypothalamus usually fails. The rapid decline in core body temperature results in death.

2.      a.         A short term way in which humans have adapted to cold climates is by shivering. Shivering can produce a short-term warming effect.

 

b.         A facultative way in which humans have adapted to cold climates is by increasing their basal metabolic rates. Eskimos (Inuit) consume large amounts of high calorie foods, which increase basal metabolic rate, which then produces extra body heat.

c.         A development trait in which humans adapt to cold temperatures is having high body mass. Body shapes of people that inhabit cold climates, especially further from the equator, are typically squat and round as compared to people living in warmer climates. Heat is lost at the surface; however, this allows them to retain heat in their body core. People that live in warmer climates near the equator have low body mass, and don’t retain heat in their body core as well as people with high body mass.

d.         The Inuit (Eskimo) wear heavy clothing and sleep in huddles with their bodies next to each other to retain body heat.

3.     Information from explorations like this can be useful to us in that new technology can be discovered to help us better adapt to environmental stresses.  One such example is the invention of the diving suit. It was invented by Jean – Baptiste de La Chapelle, and was first used in World War II. The rubber suits were used to protect Italians from cold wet environments; however, they are currently used by various groups of people. Diving suits are used by search and rescue teams, scuba divers, as well as marine biologist. All three groups use the suits to protect from the cold temperature of water.

4.         I would use the indigenous people that inhabit the arctic regions of the Northwest Territories and Canada, to explain how the Inuit adapt to the cold. They limit outdoor activities to warmer times of the day, and sleep in close groups to help retain body heat. People in Alaska wear insulated clothing, and also limit outdoor activities to warmer times of the day. The study of environmental influences on adaptions is a better way to understand human variation than by use of race, because it may be bias. Racism has been a problem throughout the world for years. People suffer from the effects of racism. They may be denied adequate housing, shelter, or employment. While some may benefit from being a certain race and receive more advantages to succeed.  Studying environmental influences on adaptations would provide unbiased facts.