OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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Get ready for the OCR GCSE Biology exam with our comprehensive quiz, featuring flashcards and multiple choice questions. Understand the exam format, key topics, and effective study strategies to excel.

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Why do some athletes train at high altitudes?

To improve muscle mass
To enhance flexibility
To adapt to lower oxygen levels
To increase body weight

The correct answer is: To adapt to lower oxygen levels

Athletes train at high altitudes primarily to adapt to lower oxygen levels, which can enhance their physical performance when they return to sea level. When individuals exercise in environments with reduced oxygen availability, such as high altitudes, their bodies undergo various physiological changes. This includes an increase in red blood cell production and improvements in the efficiency of oxygen utilization by muscles. These adaptations enable athletes to perform better under normal oxygen conditions, as their bodies become more adept at delivering and using oxygen during intense physical activity. Training in such conditions can lead to improved endurance and overall performance, giving athletes a competitive edge when competing at standard elevations. This practice takes advantage of the body's remarkable ability to adapt to environmental stresses, making it a popular strategy among elite athletes.