How do the breathing rates of adults compare to those of children and infants?

The correct answer highlights a key understanding of respiratory physiology across different age groups. Adults generally have a lower breathing rate compared to children and infants due to their larger lung capacity and more efficient respiratory system.

In an average adult, the resting respiratory rate is typically around 12 to 20 breaths per minute. In contrast, children tend to breathe more frequently, generally ranging from about 20 to 30 breaths per minute. Infants have the highest respiratory rates, often breathing 30 to 60 times per minute. This biological variation is due to several factors, including body size, metabolic needs, and the development stage of the lungs and respiratory system.

Thus, the assertion that adults breathe less often than both children and infants accurately reflects these physiological differences. Understanding these rates is essential, especially in medical fields, to assess respiratory health and identify potential issues in patients across different age ranges.