Final answer:
When exposed to high altitudes, the body undergoes adaptations to cope with the low oxygen levels, including the production of more hemoglobin and unique physiological changes in different populations. The adaptations of Ethiopian highlanders, however, are still unknown.
Step-by-step explanation:
When exposed to high altitudes, the body undergoes adaptations to cope with the low oxygen levels, a condition known as hypoxia. At the molecular level, the body produces more hemoglobin to bind with oxygen in the lungs. This process takes about 10 days to adjust. Additionally, people living at higher altitudes naturally have higher levels of hemoglobin in their blood. Furthermore, individuals in different regions, such as the Andes, Tibet, and Ethiopian highlands, have unique adaptations to living at high altitudes. For example, Tibetans have higher respiratory rates while Andeans have higher hemoglobin concentrations in their blood. However, the adaptations of Ethiopian highlanders remain a mystery.