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 is the main factor limiting population growth in K-strategists?

• A. Predation
• B. Availability of resources
• C. Competition
• D. Disease

Correct answer: B

Rationale: K-strategists are species with a low reproductive rate that invest more resources in raising fewer offspring. These species typically live in stable environments with limited resources. The main factor limiting population growth in K-strategists is the availability of resources such as food, shelter, and space. When resources are scarce, K-strategists may struggle to find enough to support their population size, leading to reduced reproductive success and population growth. While predation, competition, and disease can also impact population growth, the primary limiting factor for K-strategists is the availability of resources.

3. What is the process by which decomposers break down organic matter?

• A. Photosynthesis
• B. Bioremediation
• C. Decomposition
• D. Nitrification

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy to produce glucose from carbon dioxide and water. This process is not related to the breakdown of organic matter by decomposers. B) Bioremediation is the use of living organisms to clean up contaminated environments. While it involves the use of microorganisms to break down pollutants, it is not specifically focused on breaking down organic matter. C) Decomposition is the process by which decomposers such as bacteria, fungi, and other organisms break down organic matter into simpler substances. This process is essential for nutrient recycling in ecosystems. D) Nitrification is the biological oxidation of ammonia or ammonium to nitrite followed by the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate by nitrifying bacteria. This process is part of the nitrogen cycle and is not directly related to the breakdown of organic matter.

4. Where does fertilization, the fusion of sperm and egg, typically occur in the female reproductive system?

• A. Ovary
• B. Fallopian tube
• C. Uterus
• D. Vagina

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tube. After ovulation, the egg is released from the ovary and travels through the fallopian tube, where it may encounter sperm for fertilization. The fallopian tube is the site where the sperm fertilizes the egg before the fertilized egg continues its journey towards the uterus for implantation. The ovary is where the egg is produced but not where fertilization occurs. The uterus is where the fertilized egg implants and develops into a fetus, not where fertilization takes place. The vagina is part of the birth canal and not the typical site for fertilization in the female reproductive system.

5. Where does gas exchange occur in the human body?

• A. Alveoli
• B. Bronchi
• C. Larynx
• D. Pharynx

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Alveoli. Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs in the lungs. Oxygen from the air we breathe diffuses into the blood vessels surrounding the alveoli, while carbon dioxide from the blood diffuses into the alveoli to be exhaled. The bronchi, larynx, and pharynx are all part of the respiratory system but are not directly involved in gas exchange. The bronchi are airways that lead to the lungs, the larynx is the voice box, and the pharynx is the throat. These structures are important for breathing and vocalization but do not participate in the exchange of gases between the respiratory system and the circulatory system.

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