Question

A person has difficulty in breathing at higher altitudes because.

• A. Oxygen is likely to diffuse from lungs to blood
• B. Oxygen is likely to diffuse from blood to lungs
• C. Partial pressure of $O_2$ is lower than partial pressure of $C{O}_2$
• D. Overall intake of $O_2$ by the blood becomes low

Answer 1

The correct option is C Partial pressure of $O_2$ is lower than partial pressure of $C{O}_2$

At higher altitudes, the air becomes thinner hence the amount of oxygen is less. Hence, there is a decrease in atmospheric pressure as well as the oxygen content of the atmosphere resulting in a low partial pressure of oxygen than that of carbon dioxide resulting in difficulty in breathing. Thus, the correct answer is option C.