Final answer:
If alveolar ventilation is too high, the respiratory rate will increase while the volume of air per breath decreases. If alveolar ventilation is too low, the respiratory rate will decrease while the volume of air per breath increases.
Step-by-step explanation:
If alveolar ventilation is too high, the respiratory rate will increase while the volume of air per breath decreases. This is because hyperventilation leads to abnormally low blood carbon dioxide levels and high blood pH, causing respiratory alkalosis. On the other hand, if alveolar ventilation is too low, the respiratory rate will decrease while the volume of air per breath increases.