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Researchers Dig In To How Early Humans Thrived At High Altitudes

(Courtesy of Randy Haas)
(Courtesy of Randy Haas)

A summer hike up to a 13,000-foot alpine meadow can be exhilarating. However the lack of oxygen, frigid temperatures and sparse vegetation would make long-term survival difficult. Archaeologists know hunter-gatherers traversed highland areas thousands of years ago, but presumed they had to spend most of their time in lowland areas.

But now that idea is being challenged by a team of researchers at the University of Wyoming. Wyoming Public Radio’s Tennessee Watson ( @tennesseejane) reports.

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