Biology of Humans 4th Edition by Judith Goodenough,Betty McGuire

Exercise 28

José is a runner for his college track team from New York City. The championship meet is in Denver, which is called the Mile-High City because of its elevation above sea level. There is less oxygen available for breathing as elevation increases. Because this meet is so important, José plans to arrive in Denver several weeks before the meet. Why? Would you expect José's red blood cell count to be higher or lower than normal when he returns home to New York City, which is at sea level?