Question

There is an increase in the number of RBCs at higher altitudes to compensate for
A. High rate of destruction
B. Lower turn-over
C. Low level of oxygen
D. Higher requirement of energy

Answer 1

Red blood cells (RBCs), also referred to as red cells, red blood corpuscles (in humans or other animals not having nucleus in red blood cells), haematodes, erythroid cells, or erythrocytes (from Greek erythrose for "red" and kytos for "hollow vessel", with -cyte translated as "cell" in modern usage), are the most common.

Complete answer:
Let’s discuss the options and find out the correct answer.
At higher altitudes, the pressure is low thanks to this oxygen levels are low. Erythropoietin hormone triggers the assembly of more RBC to help in oxygen delivery to form amends for the decrease in oxygen to the muscles when the body doesn't get enough oxygen. Chronic high altitude hypoxia finishes up during a rise in red cell numbers and hemoglobin concentration. Permanent high altitude residents possessing elevated hemoglobin levels have been shown by the previous studies and hematocrit values.
- Low level of oxygen: There is an increase in the number of RBCs at higher altitudes to compensate for the low level of oxygen.
Hence, option C: Low level of oxygen is the correct answer.

Note: High elevation can unleash a complex cascade of short exposures of changes within red blood cells that make it easier for them to cope with low-oxygen conditions. What's more, these changes persist for weeks and possibly months, even after descending to lower elevations.