Final answer:
During high-intensity exercise, anaerobic glycolysis, the conversion of glucose to lactate without oxygen, is the primary physiological process for energy production.
Step-by-step explanation:
During high-intensity exercise, the physiological process primarily responsible for energy production through anaerobic glycolysis is the conversion of glucose to lactate in the absence of oxygen (D). Anaerobic glycolysis is an enzymatic process where glucose is broken down to produce ATP when oxygen levels are insufficient for aerobic metabolism. This typically occurs during rapid and high-intensity activities where the energy demand is immediate, but the supply of oxygen is limited, leading to the generation of lactate.