Final answer:
Proper hydration at higher altitudes is essential to prevent altitude sickness and to support physical performance. Low atmospheric pressure affects oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, leading to symptoms of altitude sickness. Drinking more water counters the body's increased urination response to higher altitudes, helps with oxygen delivery, and supports other essential physiological functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Drinking water is of paramount importance at higher altitudes for a number of reasons, particularly because hydration is crucial to prevent altitude sickness and maintain physical performance. The answer to the question is that (b) Hydration is crucial to prevent altitude sickness and maintain physical performance.
This is due to the fact that at higher altitudes, atmospheric pressure is reduced which can impede the proper exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. Hence, proper hydration helps to maintain blood volume and improve circulation, which can ease the effects of the thin air on the body by aiding in oxygen delivery to tissues.
Additionally, the body responds to the lower oxygen levels by increasing urination, which, although increases the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, can lead to dehydration if not counterbalanced with increased water intake.
Moreover, although not directly related to preventing altitude sickness, water also assists with regulating body temperature and aids in digestion, which can be a concern when climbing in cold conditions or cooking food at higher altitudes where water boils at a lower temperature. Therefore, climbers do need to drink more water at higher altitudes, contrary to option d).