Question

When Messner and Habeler first climbed Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen, the scientists had to reevaluate their calculations that VO2 max at the peak of Everest was equal to resting metabolic rate (3.5 ml • kg-1 • min-1). They discovered that the

a. barometric pressure was higher than expected at the top of Everest.
b. oxygen percentage was higher than expected at the top of Everest.
c. air contained more oxygen than expected.
d. hemoglobin levels increased suddenly at that altitude for those who didn't use supplemental oxygen.

Answer 1

The calculations for VO2 max at the peak of Everest had to be reevaluated due to the lower partial pressure of oxygen at high altitudes. This resulted in higher hemoglobin levels for those who didn't use supplemental oxygen.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Messner and Habeler first climbed Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen, the scientists had to reevaluate their calculations for VO2 max at the peak of Everest because they discovered that the partial pressure of oxygen at the top of Everest was lower than expected. As altitude increases, the concentration of oxygen decreases, which can lead to hypoxia and a shift in the equilibrium between oxygen and hemoglobin in the lungs. This is why hemoglobin levels increased suddenly at that altitude for those who didn't use supplemental oxygen.