Nursing Elites

1. What impact would the removal of a keystone species have in an ecosystem?

• A. Lead to a decrease in competition among other species
• B. Cause a slight increase in primary productivity
• C. Have a minimal impact on the overall ecosystem structure
• D. Disrupt the food web and cause cascading effects on other populations

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and structure of an ecosystem due to their significant influence. If a keystone species is removed, it disrupts the delicate food web dynamics and can trigger cascading effects throughout the ecosystem. The disruption in predator-prey relationships can lead to population declines and even extinctions of other species. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because the removal of a keystone species would not decrease competition among other species, cause a slight increase in primary productivity, or have a minimal impact on the overall ecosystem structure. Instead, it would have a profound impact, disrupting the food web and causing cascading effects on other populations.

2. What type of reaction is represented by the following equation: 2C₆H₁₄ + 19O₂ → 12CO + 14H₂O?

• A. Substitution reaction
• B. Acid-base reaction
• C. Enzyme reaction
• D. Combustion reaction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The given chemical equation represents a combustion reaction. Combustion reactions involve the burning of a hydrocarbon (C₆H₁₄) in the presence of oxygen (O₂) to produce carbon monoxide (CO) and water (H₂O). Combustion reactions typically release heat and light energy. In this case, the reactants are a hydrocarbon and oxygen, resulting in the formation of carbon monoxide and water. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the reaction does not involve substitution, acid-base reactions, or enzyme catalysis. Combustion reactions are characterized by the rapid combination of a substance with oxygen, leading to the production of heat and light energy.

3. What is the role of the pancreas in the digestive system?

• A. To store bile
• B. To secrete digestive enzymes
• C. To digest proteins
• D. To absorb nutrients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To secrete digestive enzymes.' The pancreas plays a crucial role in the digestive system by secreting digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down food in the small intestine. These enzymes help in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, facilitating the absorption of nutrients from the digested food. Choice A is incorrect because the pancreas is not responsible for storing bile; the gallbladder stores bile. Choice C is incorrect because the pancreas secretes enzymes for protein digestion but does not digest proteins itself. Choice D is incorrect as the absorption of nutrients primarily occurs in the small intestine, not in the pancreas.

4. An uncharged atom has an electron configuration of 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 and a mass number of 14. How many protons does it have?

• A. 14
• B. 6
• C. 8
• D. 12

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (6 protons). The electron configuration provided corresponds to the element carbon, which has 6 protons. The mass number does not affect the number of protons in an atom, so despite the mass number of 14, the atom still contains 6 protons. Choice A (14) is incorrect because the mass number does not determine the number of protons. Choices C (8) and D (12) are incorrect as they do not match the number of protons in a carbon atom.

5. What is the function of the lymphatic system?

• A. To transport oxygen
• B. To filter waste from the blood
• C. To produce red blood cells
• D. To regulate body temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To filter waste from the blood.' The lymphatic system is responsible for draining excess fluid from tissues, absorbing fats from the digestive system, and filtering out harmful substances and waste products from the blood. It also plays a crucial role in the body's immune defense by transporting white blood cells and antibodies to fight off infections. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because transporting oxygen, producing red blood cells, and regulating body temperature are functions performed by other systems in the body, such as the respiratory system, bone marrow, and thermoregulatory mechanisms, respectively.

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