The "Roof of the World," as the Tibetan region and part of the Himalayan Mountains are called, presents a number of challenges for survival. Those living here in High Asia, at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters, receive about 40% less oxygen in the air. This causes red blood cells to swell.
Researchers believe that a genetic adaptation took place thousands of years ago among native Tibetans. A large proportion of Tibetans possess a gene called EPAS1. This gene ensures survival in the mountainous landscape of Tibet, which averages 4.5 km in altitude. Even yaks, a type of cattle native to the local highlands, have an adapted digestive and pressure equalization system that allows them to survive in the Asian highlands. However, they would not survive long in much lower regions on the plains.
Here on the border with Tibet in the Himalayas lies Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world at 8,884 meters.
---
Huerta-Sánchez, Emilia: "Altitude adaptation in Tibetans caused by introgression of Denisovan-like DNA", Edition 512, Nr. 7513, 2014, S. 194–197
Reiseführer von AT Reisen Online: "Vom Hochland Tibets zum Everest-Basislager" as of jun 6 2025.
Magazine Welt der Wunder: "Dei größte Unbekannte des Planeten", Edition 1/25, S. 70-77