Natives who have resided at high altitude all their lives adapt to the altitude by A)exercising regularly. B)decreasing maximal ventilation. C)increasing the environmental PO₂. D)producing more red blood cells.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Natives who have resided at high altitude for generations have a genetically determined adaptation that increases their production of red blood cells. This increases their oxygen-carrying capacity and helps them cope with lower oxygen levels at high altitude. Exercise and increasing the environmental oxygen concentration can also assist with acclimatization, but they do not result in the long-term physiological changes seen in altitude-adapted populations. Decreasing maximal ventilation is not a known adaptation to altitude.

Natives Who Have Resided at High Altitude All Their Lives