By Tasha Kuester By Tasha Kuester &&

James WassellJames Wassell

The survival of humans in the

cold

Why are we different?• Economics•Scientific thought. •Mathematics •Sex beyond procreation. •Change. •Emotions•Morality we have a capacity for a relationship •A homeothermic species

The bodies responseHow has our body adapted to surviving in cold

environments?•Shivering•Blood vessels constrict•Body fat•Increases mussel activity•Becoming accustom to the temperature•Blood pressure•Ingenuity

ShiveringShivering is the body’s response to cold and wet conditions. This is done by the raped contractions in the mussels producing heat

Blood vessels/ pressureWhen we are exposed to low

temperatures the blood vessels close to the skin constrict reducing the heat lost threw the skin this is called vasoconstriction. Ability to alter blood pressure has been seen in people who live in the cold.

Body fat

Muscle activityMuscle, on the other hand, is made from fibers that are always contracting and expanding, even when you are standing still. This constant movement of the muscle tissue generates heat, and helps you keep warm when it's cold out

Fat is a great insulator protecting blood vessels and organs from outer temperatures 1 Cm of fat has the same affect as one layer of dry wool clothing

Acclimation to Temperature

Our ability to adapt to our environment is one of the main ways we are able to survive in many different conditions after living in the cold for a period of time your body gets used to it and adapts to the environment

IngenuityThe largest reason for the humans survival in harsh conditions is our ingenuity. Human ingenuity refers to the ability of man to solve difficult problems over other animals humans have proven our ingenuity in many different ways

People who have adapted to living in the cold

These groups of people have been studied on how there bodies have adapted to cold temperatures

•Australian aborigines•Indians/ Eskimo•Tibetan and Indian yogis•Quebec mailmen•Fisherman•Antarctic workers

Australian aborigines •Sleep nearly naked•Go threw torpor•Suppressed shivering•Reduced heat production•Body temp drops

Indians/ Eskimo• Elevated metabolic

rate that is 30 or 40% higher then normal

• Don’t shiver• Reduced hart rate and blood pressure• Increased circulation• Increased

temperature in the bodes extremities

Tibetan and Indian yogis

• Increased temp in extremities and core delayed shivering• live in freezing Himalayas in unheated houses• Meditation

Quebec mailmen• Outside 30 hr a week• Temps average -11 C• Reduced hart rate• Reduce blood pressure

Fishermen• Temperatures can be as low as – 28C wet conditions • Have low shivering rates and higher blood pressure• Increased circulation• Work 12 hr shifts in extreme cold temperatures

Antarctic Workers• Live where no others live • Some of the temperatures are coldest on earth • Where extremely warm clothing • Experience mild hypothermia

Who has the toughest time

dealing with cold•Older people•Children•People with diseases•Injured people•People who use drugs or alcohol

Older people•Broken bones•Hypothermia•Lower cold tolerances•Less active •Low body mass

Children• Weak immune system• Susceptible to different diseases • Go out side for extended amounts of

time

Sick & Injured•Body doesn’t function right•Body's ability to retain heat •Less able to move around

Drugs and alcohol•Drinking makes us feel

warmer•Brings blood to skin•Decreases core temp•Allows vital organs to become to cold •Motor skills •Drugs slow you down

Cold weather survival tips

C keep yourself and your clothes Clean.   O avoid Overheating.  L wear clothes loose and in Layers.   D keep Dry.