The peoples of the high-altitude regions of the world have long
fascinated both scientists and laymen from the lowlands. This book,
while it draws heavily on the research conducted in the International
Biological Programme, is a comprehensive review of our knowledge about
the biology of the high-altitude peoples of the world. While several
other accounts have considered the general problems of human populations
living and working under the reduced oxygen pressure found at high
altitude, this volume is the first attempt to analyse the total human
biology of the peoples of the world living in extremely high mountain
areas. The contributors are experts in a variety of topics within human
biology. In addition, each has conducted personal research in the
high-altitude areas such as the Andes, Ethiopian highlands, Himalayas or
Tien Shan mountains. While the book is not designed for the layman,
technical language has been reduced in an effort to make the various
topics covered comprehensible to professionals working in any branch of
the sciences concerned with man.