The erythrocyte count increases after a while when an individual goes from a low to a high altitude because the ________.
A) temperature is lower at higher altitudes
B) basal metabolic rate is higher at high altitudes
C) concentration of oxygen and/or total atmospheric pressure is higher at higher altitudes
D) concentration of oxygen and/or total atmospheric pressure is lower at high altitudes

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The erythrocyte count increases at high altitude because the concentration of oxygen and/or total atmospheric pressure is lower, so the body increases the production of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in order to carry more oxygen to the tissues. This is a physiological response known as "acclimatization" to the low oxygen levels at high altitude.

The Erythrocyte Count Increases After a While When an Individual