Living at high elevations presents unique challenges due to lower oxygen levels, lower temperatures, and increased exposure to UV radiation. Several adaptations can be advantageous for individuals living at high elevations. Out of the options provided, the most suitable adaptation would be:
B. Lighter skin
Lighter skin pigmentation is beneficial at high elevations due to increased UV radiation. Melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, provides some protection against harmful UV rays. People with lighter skin have less melanin, allowing for more efficient synthesis of vitamin D in environments with limited sunlight. This adaptation helps individuals living at high elevations where UV radiation is more intense.
While greater height and more hair may offer some advantages in colder climates, they are not specifically associated with living at high elevations. More sweat glands are not necessarily beneficial in high-elevation environments since the lower air pressure at higher altitudes reduces the evaporation of sweat, making it less effective as a cooling mechanism. Therefore, options A, C, and D are not as directly relevant to living at high elevations as lighter skin pigmentation (option B).