South American camelids (i.e., llamas, alpacas and vicuna) are native to the Andes Mountains. In the natural habitat of these mammals, high altitudes of more than 5,000 meters above sea level, the atmospheric PO2 is about 85 mm Hg, and the PO2 in the camelids' alveoli is about 50 mm Hg. A. Briefly explain the most likely reason why the PO2 in their alveoli (50 mmHg) is lower than the PO2 in the atmosphere (85mmHg). The composition of hemoglobin molecules in these camelids is different from that of other mammals. The following graph shows hemoglobin saturation (oxygen binding) of these llamas versus other mammals. B. Does their hemoglobin have a higher or lower affinity for oxygen compared to other mammals C. Using the information in this graph to support your reasoning, briefly explain why camelids are better adapted to survive at high altitudes compared to other mammals
South American camelids (i.e., llamas, alpacas and vicuna) are native to the Andes Mountains. In the natural habitat of these mammals, high altitudes of more than 5,000 meters above sea level, the atmospheric PO2 is about 85 mm Hg, and the PO2 in the camelids' alveoli is about 50 mm Hg.
A. Briefly explain the most likely reason why the PO2 in their alveoli (50 mmHg) is lower than the PO2 in the atmosphere (85mmHg).
The composition of hemoglobin molecules in these camelids is different from that of other mammals. The following graph shows hemoglobin saturation (oxygen binding) of these llamas versus other mammals.
B. Does their hemoglobin have a higher or lower affinity for oxygen compared to other mammals
C. Using the information in this graph to support your reasoning, briefly explain why camelids are better adapted to survive at high altitudes compared to other mammals
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