Question

How would a change in altitude, such as climbing to the top of Mount Timpanogos affect a person's breathing rate?

a. The rate would decrease because of more carbon dioxide
b. The rate would be increased because of less atmospheric pressure
c. The rate would be increased because of lower blood carbon dioxide levels
d. The rate would be decreased because of high blood oxygen levels

Answer 1

The correct answer is option B

The rate would be increased because of less atmospheric pressure . The atmospheric pressure decreases with increasing altitude. The pressure in general terms is defined as the weight of air molecules over given unit of air.

At high altitudes there are very few air molecules and thus the weight of the air is less and thus the pressure exerted is also less. Due to lesser air molecules there exists the problem of breathing.