Acclimatization
Acclimatization (pronounced: ak-luh-muh-tuh-zey-shuhn) is a process in which an individual adjusts to changes in its environment (such as changes in altitude, temperature, humidity, photoperiod, or pH), allowing it to maintain performance across a range of environmental conditions. Acclimatization occurs in a short period of time (hours to weeks), and within the organism's lifetime.
Etymology
The term "acclimatization" comes from the French word "acclimater" which means to acclimate or to get used to a new climate or environment.
Related Terms
- Adaptation: A longer-term process, where species evolve over time to changes in the environment.
- Acclimation: Often used interchangeably with acclimatization, but typically refers to changes that occur in a controlled, laboratory setting.
- Homeostasis: The ability of an organism to maintain constant internal conditions despite external changes.
- Hypoxia: A condition that can occur at high altitudes, when there is not enough oxygen for the body to function properly.
Process
Acclimatization is a complex process that involves a variety of physiological changes. These changes can include increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, increased red blood cell production, and changes in the body's metabolic processes. The specific changes that occur depend on the type of environmental change the organism is experiencing. For example, when a person moves from sea level to a high altitude, their body will undergo acclimatization to adjust to the lower oxygen levels.
See Also
References
- Physiology of Acclimatization and Adaptation by John B. West
- Human Adaptation to Extreme Stress: From the Holocaust to Vietnam by John P. Wilson, Zev Harel, and Boaz Kahana
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acclimatization
- Wikipedia's article - Acclimatization
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