Question

Olympic athletes train in Colorado Springs, Colorado because this location is at high altitude and near the 14,000 foot Pikes Peak. Which statement best describes why this location was chosen?A. Oxygen levels are low and, therefore, more red blood cells are produced, giving the athletes an advantage when competing at lower altitudes. B. The concentration difference for getting air into the lungs is greater at high altitudes. C. The thinner air causes it to be easier to move into and out of the lungs, which leads to higher oxygen transport. D. The thin air allows for less resistance when biking o athletes can run and bike faster, which builds up their endurance for future races.

Answer 1

A: Oxygen levels are low and, therefore, more red blood cells are produced, giving the athletes an advantage when competing at lower altitudes.

Step-by-step explanation:

At high altitudes, the partial pressure of oxygen is lower compared to lower altitudes. The body system try to adjust to lower oxygen level by undergoing several physiological changes. Depending on the duration spent in high altitude, the body can either try to adjust in the short term or acclimatize for a longer term.

One of the processes the body undergoes during acclimatization is an increase in red blood cell production. The kidney secretes erythropotein in response to inadequate oxygen in body tissues, and this makes the liver to increase erythrocyte production.

The increase in red blood cell production correspondingly increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood as a result of increased hemoglobin. This condition persists for a few weeks even after the body returns to lower altitude where oxygen is adequate. Increased oxygen capacity means the rate of energy production (through respiration) within the body will also increase

Hence, those who acclimatize to high altitude usually experience increased capillary density, tissue perfusion and improved athletic performance at lower altitudes.

The correct option is A.