Biol exam 3 04/16

Definition of Brain Fog: Temporary cognitive impairment often linked to oxygen deprivation.
Oxygen Levels: Brain operates at a specific level; changes in oxygen supply can affect function.
- Analogy: Like using high octane vs low octane gasoline in a car.
Environmental Changes: Rapid changes in elevation (e.g., moving from sea level to high altitude) lead to symptoms due to body adaptation limits.

Bird Behavior: Distinction between resident birds (native) and migratory birds (temporary).
- Resident Birds: Adapt by increasing hemoglobin content in blood, allowing better oxygen transport under low oxygen conditions.
- Migratory Birds: Adapt quickly by increasing red blood cell production to handle immediate oxygen needs, leading to increased blood viscosity.
Human Response: Similar to migratory birds; rapid ascent can cause altitude sickness due to inadequate acclimatization.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness: Similar to flu, including headache, fatigue, and nausea.
Remedies: Oxygen bars, supplemental oxygen from grocery stores, slower acclimatization to high altitudes.