The amazing Andean mouse has conquered a habitat where most mammals could not survive. This small rodent defies extreme conditions at altitudes above 6,700 meters, facing an environment with sub-zero temperatures and low oxygen availability.
The Andean mouse defies extreme heights
Recent research, published in the prestigious journal Science, reveals how this rodent has managed to develop unique survival strategies. Unlike other mountain species, its resilience is not based on modified hemoglobin, but on an exceptionally efficient metabolism that allows it to generate body heat internally.
The Phyllotis vaccarum, or Andean leaf-eared mouse, uses its brown adipose tissue and musculature to produce heat from nutrients. This ability to maintain a stable body temperature is vital to withstand the inhospitable conditions of the peaks of the Puna de Atacama.
Interestingly, its adaptation does not end there. It has evolved to consume toxic alpine plants, developing genes that detoxify these plant compounds, which expands its diet in such a challenging environment.
Scientists have studied 167 specimens of this mouse in 33 different locations, noting that natural selection has played a crucial role in preserving these genetic adaptations over generations.
This finding challenges the established conception of evolution at extreme heights, suggesting that nature can develop unexpected solutions to survive in the most difficult places on the planet.
The study in Science provides new insights into how mammals can adapt to extreme conditions, which could inform future research in physiology and adaptation to climate change.
