Final answer:
Newborns desaturate faster than adults due to factors such as their higher surface area to volume ratio, immature musculature and underdeveloped nervous systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Newborns desaturate faster than adults due to several factors. First, they have a higher ratio of surface area to volume, which means they lose heat more quickly and produce heat more slowly. Second, newborns have immature musculature and underdeveloped nervous systems, limiting their ability to generate heat and constrict blood vessels. Finally, they have little subcutaneous fat for insulation. These factors make it harder for newborns to maintain their body temperature and result in faster desaturation compared to adults.