Final answer:
A shift to the left on the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve refers to a decrease in the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. This can be caused by factors like a decrease in temperature, a decrease in carbon dioxide levels, and an increase in pH.
Step-by-step explanation:
A shift to the left on the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve refers to a decrease in the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen.
This means that at any given partial pressure of oxygen, hemoglobin will bind less oxygen, resulting in a lower hemoglobin saturation level. There are several factors that can cause a shift to the left, such as a decrease in temperature, a decrease in carbon dioxide levels, and an increase in pH.