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Question #46344
The Question
A lowlander ascends to an altitude of 4,000 meters and initially experiences altitude sickness due to low atmospheric pressure. Within a few days, acclimatization occurs to restore homeostasis. Integrating the principles of respiratory mechanics and population ecology, which of the following statements regarding this physiological adaptation is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The pneumotaxic center alters the respiratory rate by reducing the duration of diaphragmatic contraction during inspiration.
- B.
The body compensates for the low alveolar PO2 by increasing the binding affinity of hemoglobin to maximize oxygen loading in the lungs.
- C.
The kidneys secrete erythropoietin, which acts on the red bone marrow to increase the total erythrocyte count.
- D.
The oxygen dissociation curve shifts to the right, facilitating easier unloading of oxygen at the tissue level despite the hypoxic environment.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Diaphragm|Partial_Pressure_Gradient_Logic|Natural_Selection_Directionality
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often intuitively assume that in a low-oxygen environment, the body must 'hold onto' oxygen more tightly (increased affinity/left shift) to extract it from the thin air.
However, NCERT explicitly states that human acclimatization involves decreasing the binding affinity to prioritize oxygen unloading at the tissues.
This question also tests the integration of neural respiratory regulation (pneumotaxic center mechanics) with ecological adaptations.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Breathing and Exchange of Gases - Class 11 |
| Concept | Diaphragm Mechanics |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |