Question

What is the main purpose of the scenario described?

(A) To determine the oxygen saturation of haemoglobin in Loxodonta africana africana (African savanna elephant) blood.
(B) To study the effects of different environmental factors on the oxygen saturation of haemoglobin in African savanna elephants.
(C) To compare the oxygen saturation of haemoglobin in African savanna elephants to that of other animals.
(D) To develop a new method for measuring the oxygen saturation of haemoglobin in elephants.

Answer 1

The main purpose of the scenario described is to study the effects of different environmental factors on the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in African savanna elephants.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main purpose of the scenario described is (B) To study the effects of different environmental factors on the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in African savanna elephants.

In the given information, it is mentioned that the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in elephants can be influenced by factors like partial pressure of oxygen, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and pH of the blood.

By studying the effects of different environmental factors on the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in African savanna elephants, researchers can gain a better understanding of how these factors impact the functioning of hemoglobin in elephants.

For example, it is known that as the percent saturation of hemoglobin decreases, hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen increases as the availability of oxygen decreases.

This information provides insight into the relationship between oxygen saturation and hemoglobin affinity in elephants and can contribute to the broader understanding of the physiological adaptations of these animals.