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Question #124110

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

A lowlander relocates to an altitude of 4,500 meters. After six months, blood analysis reveals a significantly elevated hematocrit (compensatory polycythemia). Which of the following is NOT a physiological consequence or regulatory mechanism associated with this chronic acclimatization?

Options

A.
Hypoxia-induced secretion of erythropoietin from the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney stimulates erythropoiesis.
B.
The increased erythrocyte count enhances the total oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood despite the lower alveolar pO2.
C.
The elevated hematocrit decreases blood viscosity, which subsequently lowers peripheral vascular resistance to maintain optimal cardiac output.
D.
A rightward shift in the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve occurs, facilitating enhanced unloading of oxygen at the tissue level.

Check Your Answer

Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Regulatory_Failure

Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.

Concepts Behind This Question

Erythropoietin Function|Partial Pressure Gradient Logic|Renal O2 sensors

Why This Question Is Tricky

Examiner Levers

Pattern Traps

Forces student to avoid "obvious" but wrong patterns or sequences.

Difficulty Boost : +2

Logical Assertion

Tests the causal relationship between two true statements.

Difficulty Boost : +4

Common Mistakes

Conceptual Pivot: Students often assume that all compensatory mechanisms (like polycythemia) are purely beneficial without mechanical trade-offs.

The trap lies in failing to integrate fluid dynamics (rheology) with respiratory physiology: while more RBCs increase O2 capacity, they also increase blood viscosity, which inversely affects vascular resistance and cardiac output.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

Subject	Biology
Chapter	Breathing and Exchange of Gases - Class 11
Concept	Partial Pressure Gradient Logic
Difficulty	8
Cognitive Load	6
Target Solve Time	140 sec
Access	Free