Final answer:
To increase PETCO2 readings, one can consider factors such as metabolic acidosis, increased physical exercise, and increased baseline atmospheric CO2 levels. These cause the body to produce more CO2 or reflect higher environmental CO2 concentrations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors Increasing PETCO2 Readings
The three things that can increase PETCO2 readings are:
- Metabolic acidosis, which is a decreased pH of the blood, might lead to an increase in carbon dioxide as the body attempts to restore acid-base balance.
- Exercise can lead to increased carbon dioxide production as muscles respire more during physical activity.
- Increased baseline levels of atmospheric CO2 can also contribute to higher PETCO2 readings. Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations have been rising steadily, affecting various biological systems.
Additionally, when discussing the accuracy of biological measurements in different species, if the apparatus is measuring oxygen consumption and organisms are producing carbon dioxide, it's essential to add components that can absorb the carbon dioxide to avoid falsely elevated oxygen measurements. This may include increasing the amount of bacteria that decompose dead organic matter to take up the carbon dioxide produced.