Final answer:
Normal oxygen consumption is about 3.5 mL O₂/kg/min for adults and 6-8 mL O₂/kg/min for newborns, reflecting their metabolic activity. This ties into respiratory rates, which decrease from birth to adulthood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The normal oxygen consumption for adults is approximately 3.5 mL O₂/kg/min at rest, often referred to as the metabolic equivalent of task (MET), which is a physiological measure expressing the energy cost of physical activities. This value is derived from the basal metabolic rate (BMR), which indicates the amount of energy consumed at rest. For newborns, oxygen consumption is significantly higher due to their rapid growth rate and the high energy demand of their developing organs. It has been reported that the oxygen consumption for newborns can be around 6 to 8 mL O₂/kg/min, which reflects their intense metabolic activity.
Biology students study the change in respiratory rate from birth, which starts at about 30 to 60 breaths per minute and decreases to a typical adult rate of 12 to 18 breaths per minute. Understanding the relationship between oxygen consumption and respiratory rate helps in assessing the metabolic needs and health of individuals.