Earth and Atmosphere

According to recent scientific studies, people in high altitude regions are generally healthier and more intelligent than those in sea-level areas. When compared to low-altitude areas, elevated areas have a lower atmosphere or barometric pressure. The weight exerted on the earth's surface by the atmosphere or air is known as atmospheric pressure or barometric pressure. Low-lying areas are surrounded by a large mass of air, resulting in high atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, high altitude zones have a thin layer of air covering them, resulting in low atmospheric pressure. The concentration of oxygen molecules in a given volume of air is expected at high altitudes. This means that there are fewer oxygen molecules per volume of air inhaled. People from low altitude areas take time to acclimatize to high altitude regions and may experience altitude sickness in the initial days. Hypoxia also called lack of oxygen is the primary trigger of altitude sickness.
Individuals who live in high altitude areas have over time adjusted to conditions in these regions. They have an increased number of red bloods and hemoglobin to enhance the uptake of oxygen in the body. They also have to breathe deeper utilizing all compartments of the lungs and pushing oxygen to all tissues of the human body. High altitude residents have a particular enzyme called Citrase Synthase that assists red blood cells to transport oxygen (Hainsworth & Drinkhill, 2007).
Living in a high altitude area helps people to lose body fat and reduce body weight, according to a scientific report released by the International Journal of Obesity. The thinnest people in America tend to be concentrated in high altitude area like Colorado. Studies show that living in elevated regions reduces craving for food by triggering excess production of hormones like heptin that regulate appetite. In addition, more calories get burned at high altitude when people do simple exercise like walking or jogging which helps reduce weight.
People who live in elevated areas have a lower probability of getting cardiovascular diseases or dying from heart diseases. Low oxygen levels in high altitude areas triggers the body to develop extra blood vessels for the transport of more blood carrying oxygen to the tissues. Development of more blood vessels enhances cardiovascular health. Low oxygen levels triggers the expression of certain human genes which make the heart muscle stronger (Hainsworth & Drinkhill, 2007).
Increase in the number of red blood cells and development of extra blood vessels together with strengthening of heart muscles helps the push more blood in the brain region of the head. More blood in the brain means extra oxygen for brain functions a situation that makes people smarter and enhances their psychological development. The beautiful and relaxing scenery of high lying areas of the world provides a wide range of recreation opportunities that help the brain to relax therefore improving its functions and development (Hainsworth & Drinkhill, 2007).
General Hypothesis
Living in the high altitude helps people develop better lungs and have better health.
Residing in elevated areas with low barometric pressure helps improve brain development, function and make people smarter
Specific hypothesis
People living in high altitude regions have better lungs and health because of the increased number of red blood cells that form to carry more oxygen and development of extra blood vessels that carry blood containing oxygen to body tissues. People living in high altitude also have better lungs because they breathe deeper to acquire the limited oxygen in high altitude a scenario that helps them to full utilize all parts of their lungs.
People who live in high altitude areas are also smarter because the development of more blood vessels helps to transport more blood and oxygen in the brain region improving brain functions.
Reference
Hainsworth, R., & Drinkhill, M. J. (2007). Cardiovascular adjustments for life at high altitude. Respiratory physiology & neurobiology, 158(2), 204-211.
Hornbein, T., & Schoene, R. (Eds.). (2001). High altitude: an exploration of human adaptation. CRC Press.