Individuals who are successful climbing to high altitudes have a great capacity to hyperventilate. This is beneficial because it A) drives down the PO₂ of the blood. B) allows more hemoglobin to bind to oxygen at the same PO₂. C) increases the PO₂ of the blood. D) increases hemoglobin concentration in the blood.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hyperventilation increases the amount of oxygen that can bind to hemoglobin in the blood by allowing more hemoglobin to become oxygenated, which is beneficial for individuals climbing to high altitudes where oxygen is scarce. This, in turn, increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Hyperventilation does not change the PO₂ of the blood or increase hemoglobin concentration in the blood.

Individuals Who Are Successful Climbing to High Altitudes Have a Great