Why do you find yourself gasping for breath after sprinting a short distance? (Hint: Explore 'oxygen debt' and identify the metabolic pathway that requires oxygen.)

Because the body needs more oxygen to compensate for the carbon dioxide produced during exercise.

Because the body is trying to cool down after physical exertion.

Because the body needs extra oxygen post-exercise in order to convert accumulated lactic acid back into pyruvate and replenish ATP stores.

Because the high breathing rate helps increase blood circulation.