Human Biological Adaptability: Web Expeditions

These explorations are intended to expand your understanding of the ways in which humans adapt to different kinds of environmental stresses. Use your favorite Internet search programs to roam around the World Wide Web and discover what other people who have interest in these subjects have said to explain and support their views. Seek out reliable, factual sources. Do not stop at just two or three. It is worth the extra time to thoroughly research these questions and get views on all sides of the issues.

1.	Search the Internet for information about permanent effects of long-term undernutrition on children. What are the most common effects that are listed by international aid agencies and health organizations? In what parts of the world is undernutrition a common problem today? What is being done to prevent it? (Note: this question is asking specifically about undernutrition rather than any other form of malnutrition.)
2.	Although most human populations do not live at extremely high altitudes, there are a few that maintain permanent settlements over 15,000 feet. Search the Internet for information about such populations. Where do they live? How are their bodies different from those of people who have difficulty living at high altitude?
3.	Search the Internet for news about people who have survived life threatening hypothermia. Describe the circumstances that resulted in this condition. Look for information about what hypothermia survivors might have in common. Are your chances of surviving related to your age, body weight, gender, etc.? What do the experts say?
4.	Search the Internet for information about unusual nutritional adaptations among some populations other than producing lactase to digest milk sugars. Describe and explain these adaptations.

If you have not been satisfied with the search programs that you have used in the past, try one of the following. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately, none of them can link you to everything available on the Web today because of the rapid growth of sites and the way search engines selectively exclude certain kinds of sites.

If you don't have success searching with these programs, take a look at the Related Internet Links section of this tutorial.

CAUTION: In doing your searches, keep in mind that not everything on the Web is accurate, current, or true. To help discover which sites can be trusted and which ones cannot, ask yourself the following questions:

1.	Who are the authors of the site? What are their credentials? Are they experts?
2.	Is the information current? When was the website created and last updated?
3.	Do the facts presented in the site seem correct?
4.	Is the purpose of the site to objectively inform and explain or to persuade and sell a particular perspective?

Old Standby General Search Programs		Specialized Information Search Programs

Altavista Alltheweb Bing Google Teoma Yahoo		Answers.com MyOptumHealth MedBot MEDLINEplus OminMedicalSearch Wikipedia