Final answer:
The hormone responsible for the production of red blood cells is Erythropoietin (EPO), produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hormone responsible for red blood cell production is D. Erythropoietin. Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the interstitial fibroblast cells of the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood. It functions to stimulate the bone marrow to produce red blood cells, which are crucial for transporting oxygen throughout the body. It's noteworthy that misuse of EPO can occur in sports through blood doping, aiming to enhance performance by increasing oxygen delivery to tissues.