Breathing in the Mountains: How High Altitude Affects Our Bodies
In Breathing in the Mountains: How High Altitude Affects Our Bodies, host Harith Iskander explains why the air feels thinner in high-altitude locations and how our bodies adapt to less oxygen. At high altitudes, the lower oxygen levels can make people feel breathless, but the body responds by adjusting its red blood cells to carry more oxygen. This change in the respiratory system helps people acclimate over time to the challenges of mountain environments. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Got Science?, a science magazine series that explores and explains science in everyday life.
Lesson Express
Q: Why does it feel harder to breathe in high-altitude areas?
A: There is less oxygen in the air at high altitudes, so people may feel breathless as their bodies adjust.
Q: How do our bodies adapt to lower oxygen levels in high altitudes?
A: The body produces more red blood cells to help carry oxygen more efficiently, allowing people to adapt over time.
Q: What are some challenges people face when adapting to high altitudes?
A: People can experience symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue as their bodies adjust to the lower oxygen levels.
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