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Human Bodies in Extreme Environments.

Authors :
Ocobock, Cara
Source :
Annual Review of Anthropology. Oct2023, Vol. 52, p257-277. 20p.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Human habitation and adaptation to extreme environments have a deep history in anthropological research. Anthropologists' understanding of these ecological pressures and how humans respond to them has grown substantially over the last 100+ years. This review covers long-standing knowledge on adaptation to classic extreme conditions of heat, cold, and high altitude, while also updating the areas in which recent research has broadened our understanding of human adaptation, acclimatization, and resilience. Unfortunately, the intersecting stresses of structural inequality and climate change have made these extremes more extreme, with drastic negative impacts on health and well-being. Future research will need to explore how extreme environments, structural inequality, and climate change are embodied as well as mitigated so that humans are better prepared to face a rapidly changing world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00846570
Volume :
52
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Annual Review of Anthropology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
173124192
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-anthro-052721-085858