Final answer:
The Yak has adapted to alpine environments with a thick fur coat, an efficient respiratory system, and physiological traits that maximize oxygen uptake. Similar adaptations are seen in human populations living at high altitudes, facing low-oxygen challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Yak is a remarkable example of an organism that has adapted to the harsh conditions of alpine environments. These adaptations include a thick coat of fur that protects against cold temperatures and a unique respiratory system that has evolved to cope with low oxygen levels at high altitudes. Furthermore, the yak displays physiological adjustments, such as a larger lung capacity and greater blood flow, which maximize their oxygen uptake efficiency in alpine conditions. Adaptation to scarce food resources is another characteristic of the yak, enabling it to survive on a diet that is limited in these extreme environments.
Similar adaptation examples are found among indigenous populations in high-altitude regions, such as the Andes, Tibet, and the Ethiopian highlands, who have developed unique physiological traits to cope with low-oxygen environments. The yak's resilience in cold and low-oxygen alpine habitats makes it an excellent subject study in understanding evolutionary adaptation to environment.