What are the adaptations for high-altitude survival in animals?

Animals adapt to high altitudes through physiological, behavioural, and genetic changes that enhance oxygen uptake and delivery.

Animals living at high altitudes face several challenges, including low oxygen levels, extreme temperatures, and harsh weather conditions. To survive in these environments, they have developed a range of adaptations. One of the most critical adaptations is an enhanced ability to absorb and utilise oxygen. At high altitudes, the air is thin, meaning there is less oxygen available. To compensate, some animals have evolved larger lungs and a higher concentration of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This allows them to absorb more oxygen with each breath and deliver it more efficiently to their tissues.

Behavioural adaptations also play a crucial role in high-altitude survival. Many animals have developed behaviours that help them conserve energy and heat. For example, some species hibernate or enter a state of torpor during the coldest months, reducing their metabolic rate and thus their need for oxygen. Others, like the snow leopard, have thick fur and a large body size to minimise heat loss.

Genetic adaptations are another key aspect of high-altitude survival. Over generations, animals living at high altitudes have undergone genetic changes that make them better suited to their environment. For instance, the Tibetan antelope has unique genetic adaptations that allow it to live at altitudes of up to 5,500 metres, where oxygen levels are extremely low. These include a mutation in the gene that controls the production of haemoglobin, allowing the antelope to have a higher concentration of this oxygen-carrying protein in its blood.

In conclusion, high-altitude survival in animals is a complex process that involves a combination of physiological, behavioural, and genetic adaptations. These adaptations not only allow these animals to survive but also to thrive in some of the most challenging environments on Earth.