Final answer:
The Tibetan population has adapted to high altitudes by increasing their breathing rate and developing genetic mutations that support life in low oxygen conditions. Unlike other highland populations, Tibetans breathe more frequently rather than having higher hemoglobin levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Tibetan population has developed unique adaptations allowing them to live at high elevations where oxygen levels are significantly lower. One such adaptation is an increased rate of breathing, which helps compensate for the low oxygen by taking more breaths per minute than people living at sea level. This physiological adjustment is an example of acclimatization, where the respiratory system adapts to chronic exposure to high altitudes. Additionally, the Tibetan population is characterized by genetic mutations that have become nearly dominant in just 8000 years. These adaptations contrast with other high-altitude populations, such as those in the Andes, who have higher hemoglobin concentrations, and Ethiopian highlanders, whose adaptations remain less understood.