Adaptability
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22368694 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Ann Mcelroy (University at Buffalo, State University of New York, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2018 |
| Pages | 1-3 |
| Publication date | 2018-09-05 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | OTHER |
| Venue | The International Encyclopedia of Anthropology (JOURNAL) |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1002/9781118924396.wbiea1647 |
| OpenAlex | W4244201566 |
| ISBN | 9781118924396 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 6 |
The characteristically high potential of humans to cope with environmental adversity through a range of genetic, physiological, morphological, and cultural responses is termed “adaptability” in human biology. This trait facilitated prehistoric migrations to diverse biomes and survival in a wide range of climates and ecosystems. Human adaptability research began with comparative regional fieldwork, including the study of responses to hypoxia in the Andes, microevolutionary differences in tropical South America, thermoregulation in East Africa, and cold adaptation among circumpolar peoples. Current emphases include research on the impacts of health disparities within societies and across geopolitical regions and genomic analysis of intergenerational trade‐offs. Four main dimensions of adaptability have been demonstrated: adaptation, accommodation, plasticity, and resilience. Future studies will increase the biocultural understanding of human health and adaptability, with important examples including the long‐term epigenetic effects of adversity and the embodiment of health inequalities
Adaptability · Biology · Biome · Domestication · Ecosystem · Geography · Psychological resilience · Trait · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Diet and metabolism studies · Psychology · Race, Genetics, and Society · Ecology
| Highly cited | No |
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