International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 34-42 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 35 The aim of this study is to systematically analyze the impact of high-altitude ecosystems on the genomic adaptability of different populations. Exploring the potential impact of ecological characteristics in high-altitude environments on the human genome. By comparing the genetic adaptability of different populations in high-altitude environments, the possible genetic differences between different populations are revealed. By analyzing the relationship between high-altitude adaptability and health, explore whether this adaptability has an impact on the susceptibility to specific diseases. Deepening this research aims to provide a new perspective for understanding the adaptability of the human genome and provide scientific basis for future medical and biological research. 1 Characteristics of High Altitude Ecosystems Organisms in high-altitude ecosystems have undergone a long evolutionary process, forming a series of unique adaptive characteristics to adapt to their extreme environments. These characteristics not only provide a guarantee for the survival of organisms in high-altitude environments. 1.1 Physical and biological characteristics of high altitude environment In high-altitude environments, there are significant differences in climate conditions compared to low-altitude areas. Low oxygen is a significant feature of high-altitude environments, and as altitude increases, oxygen concentration gradually decreases, which has a profound impact on the metabolism and survival of organisms (Wu et al., 2019). In high mountain areas above the snow line, plants need to cope with oxygen scarcity, leading to the development of more efficient gas exchange mechanisms in some plants, such as Saussurea involucrata (Kar. & Kir.) Sch Bip.. The growth of plants is limited under cold conditions, but some alpine plants have adapted to this condition, such as Abies fabri (Mast.) Craib in high-altitude areas. These plants typically have tolerance and adaptability to low temperatures (Zhang et al., 2021), adapting to extreme temperatures by slowing down growth rate or adjusting leaf structure (Figure 1). Figure 1 Adaptation of high-altitude fir to extreme low temperatures The intensity of ultraviolet radiation is higher in high-altitude areas than in low-altitude areas. Alpine plants and animals must cope with DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. Some plants in high-altitude areas, such as Koenigia alpina (All.) T. M. Schust& Reveall), demonstrating tolerance to ultraviolet radiation and reducing its damage through biochemical and physiological mechanisms. There are relatively few animal species in high-altitude areas, but they typically exhibit adaptability to cold and low oxygen environments (Zang et al., 2023). The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) lives in the Himalayan region, and its fur and short and thick body structure enable it to survive in harsh and hypoxic mountain environments. Some high-altitude birds, such as the snow finch (Montifringilla), also exhibit adaptability to cold environments, with their feather color and cellular metabolism helping them survive in extreme environments.
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