A team of geography students visited Ladakh. They were trying to run on a flat horizontal road, but they were getting tired and not able to run very fast. Which one of the following is the most appropriate reason for the same?

Correct option is B

Introduction
Ladakh is a high-altitude region (on the Tibetan Plateau). At high altitudes, the atmospheric pressure is lower, and as a result, the partial pressure and concentration of oxygen in the air are also significantly lower. The lack of sufficient oxygen (hypoxia) makes physical exertion, like running, much more difficult, leading to quick fatigue and an inability to run fast, regardless of the road's flatness.
Information Booster
· Location: Ladakh is a high-altitude desert region.
· Atmospheric Condition: As altitude increases, the air density and pressure decrease.
· Reason for Fatigue: The most critical factor is the low level of oxygen in the air, which leads to hypoxia.
· Physiological Effect: The body cannot take in enough oxygen for sustained aerobic activity, causing rapid fatigue, shortness of breath, and reduced physical performance.
· Acclimatization: Visitors require time for acclimatization to adjust to the low-oxygen environment.
Additional Points
· Due to high level of pollution in the air: Ladakh is generally a low-pollution area; air quality is usually excellent.
· Due to very low temperature: While low temperatures are a factor, lack of oxygen is the primary physiological limitation to strenuous activity at altitude, not the cold itself.
· Due to glacier in nearby areas: The presence of glaciers does not directly affect a person's ability to run on a flat, horizontal road.