A rabbit taken from a meadow near sea level and moved to a meadow high on a mountainside would have some trouble getting adequate oxygen delivery. Which statement best explains why this would occur?
A) The percentage of oxygen in the air at high elevations is lower than at sea level.
B) The percentage of oxygen in the air at high elevations is higher than at sea level.
C) The partial pressure of oxygen in the air at high elevations is lower than at sea level.
D) The partial pressure of oxygen in the air at high elevations is higher than at sea level.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The partial pressure of oxygen decreases with elevation, making it harder for the rabbit to obtain adequate oxygen for its bodily functions. The percentage of oxygen in the air remains roughly the same, but the lower overall atmospheric pressure at high elevations means that oxygen molecules are less densely packed, reducing the amount of oxygen available for breathing.

A Rabbit Taken from a Meadow near Sea Level and Moved