Final answer:
The byproduct of fermentation in muscles, lactate, can lead to muscle fatigue and decreased pH but does not directly cause Increased Oxygen Consumption. That increase is a response to clearing lactate and restoring energy balance in the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The consequence of lactate resulting from fermentation in muscles that is not a result of the lactate itself is Increased Oxygen Consumption (C).
Lactate is a byproduct of anaerobic glycolysis, which is a process that occurs when the muscles are working vigorously and oxygen is scarce. While lactate is correlated with muscle fatigue and can lead to a decreased pH within the muscle, it does not directly cause increased oxygen consumption. Instead, oxygen consumption increases as a result of the body's efforts to clear the lactate from the muscles and restore energy balance. Muscle cramping can sometimes be associated with lactate buildup, but it's not a direct consequence of lactate itself; rather, it can result from a combination of factors including electrolyte imbalances and nervous system responses.
It's also important to note that the effectiveness of anaerobic activity and the body's handling of lactate can be improved through training. Exploring the impact of fermentation and lactate on muscles provides insight into how the body generates energy and copes with strenuous exercise.