When bar-headed geese fly at very high altitudes (possibly over Mount Everest!), they breathe very thin air where the partial pressure of oxygen is very low compared to that at sea level. They are able to do this because they have a modified version of the hemoglobin protein. Which of the following is their hemoglobin protein most likely similar to in terms of its ability to bind oxygen?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hemoglobin of bar-headed geese is most likely similar to that of a human fetus because fetal hemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen than adult hemoglobin, allowing for efficient oxygen uptake in the low-oxygen environment at high altitudes. The hemoglobin of a bird that lives at sea level or an earthworm would not be adapted for high altitude oxygen uptake.

When Bar-Headed Geese Fly at Very High Altitudes (Possibly Over