During ascent into mountains a person develops increased respiration rate and rapid heart rate. What is the cause of these changes?

Answer options

1. Increase of blood pH
2. Increase of CO2 partial pressure
3. Increase of nitrogen content in air
4. Increase of air humidity
5. Decrease of O2 partial pressure

Explanation

As you go up a mountain, the air becomes less compressed and is therefore thinner. the pressure is lower, you’re more likely experiencing altitude sickness. The thinner air means there is less oxygen to breathe so the body tries to compensate by increasing respiratory rate and rapid heart rate. If you stay in a high mountain for a long time your body compensates by producing more red blood cells(polycythemia).