Final answer:
Option D. VO2 max is limited by age, genetics, and training status, with genetics influencing muscle fiber type and training improving oxygen utilization and delivery. Other factors like carbon dioxide levels and body temperature also play a role.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question is about the factors that limit maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max). The correct answer is c) Age, genetics, and training status can limit VO2 max. VO2 max is an indicator of aerobic endurance that reflects the maximum amount of oxygen the body can utilize during intense exercise. Genetics play a crucial role as they influence the proportion of fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscle fibers in an individual. People with more slow-twitch fibers generally have a higher VO2 max due to these fibers having more capillaries, mitochondria, and myoglobin, which allows them to carry more oxygen and sustain aerobic activity longer.
Age is another factor, as VO2 max typically peaks in young adulthood and declines with age. Training status affects VO2 max as well, where consistent aerobic exercise can lead to improvements in oxygen delivery and utilization. Factors such as carbon dioxide levels, blood pH, and body temperature also influence the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin, indirectly affecting VO2 max.