Question

______ wear closely fitted garments in several layers to effectively trap and retain body warmth.

• A. Ainu
• B. Tuareg
• C. Eskimos
• D. Gilayak

Hint:

Still air is one of the best natural thermal insulators. Snug cuffs and waistbands prevent heat loss from convection, keeping the warm air trapped close to your skin.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Thermodynamics of Cold-Weather Clothing:
Human survival in sub-zero Arctic conditions requires specialized clothing systems. The primary physical mechanism of thermal insulation in apparel is the trapping of still air. Air is a poor conductor of heat; trapping a layer of air close to the skin significantly reduces heat loss from the body to the environment.

Step 2: Analyzing Arctic Clothing Design:
The Eskimos (Inuit) developed a highly functional, double-layered clothing system made from animal skins (such as caribou or seal):

• Inner Layer: Worn with the fur facing inward directly against the skin. This traps a warm layer of still air next to the body and creates light friction that stimulates circulation.
• Outer Layer (Parka/Atigi): Worn with the fur facing outward to act as a barrier against wind, snow, and water.
• Fitted Openings: The hood, cuffs, and hem are tailored to fit snugly using drawstrings. This prevents warm air from escaping and cold air from blowing in, maximizing thermal efficiency.

Step 3: Comparing Alternative Cultures:

• Tuareg: Inhabit the hot Sahara desert. They wear loose, flowing, draped indigo robes (Litham) to maximize air circulation and promote evaporative cooling.
• Ainu & Gilayak: Native peoples of cold East Asian regions. While they wear heavy robes, they do not rely on the highly engineered, double-layered skin-insulation systems characteristic of Eskimo survival apparel.