Nursing Elites

1. Anya was paid by Company X to analyze dwindling honeybee populations in the Southwest. After measuring hive populations over several months, she noticed no patterns in the geographic distributions of the deaths after comparisons with local maps of interest. This supported her hypothesis, so she took samples of the honey and the bees from the hives and performed dozens of dissections to confirm her suspicions. Which of the following is the most likely hypothesis upon which this research was performed?

• A. Honeybees are being killed off, and their hives are destroyed by other extremely aggressive species of bees from the South.
• B. Honeybees are contracting parasites in large droves.
• C. Honeybees are so sensitive to certain pesticides that they die on contact.
• D. Honeybees die in larger numbers around cell phone towers.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most likely hypothesis based on the information provided is that honeybees are contracting parasites in large droves. Anya observed no geographic patterns in hive deaths and proceeded to analyze honey and bees for further investigation. This suggests that she suspected a widespread issue affecting multiple hives simultaneously, consistent with a scenario where honeybees are being infected by parasites in high numbers, leading to dwindling populations across different locations. The other choices can be eliminated because there is no mention of aggressive species of bees from the South, no evidence pointing to pesticide sensitivity as the cause, and no indication of a correlation with cell phone towers in the information provided.

2. When a biologist describes the physical and visible expression of a genetic trait, which of the following is being referred to?

• A. Phenotype
• B. Allele
• C. Gamete
• D. Genotype

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Phenotype. Phenotype specifically refers to the observable physical characteristics resulting from the interaction of an individual's genetic makeup (genotype) with environmental influences. It represents the outward expression of an organism's genetic makeup. Allele, represented by choice B, refers to different forms of a gene and is not the visible expression of a trait. Gamete, represented by choice C, is a reproductive cell and not directly related to the physical expression of traits. Genotype, represented by choice D, refers to the genetic makeup of an organism and is distinct from the observable physical characteristics denoted by phenotype.

3. What is the strongest evidence for evolution?

• A. The fossil record
• B. Comparative anatomy
• C. Biogeography
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) The fossil record provides evidence of how organisms have changed over time, showing transitional forms and the progression of species. B) Comparative anatomy involves studying the similarities and differences in the structures of different species, which can reveal common ancestry and evolutionary relationships. C) Biogeography examines the distribution of species around the world, which can be explained by evolution and continental drift. By considering all of the above evidence together, scientists can build a comprehensive understanding of evolution and how species have changed and diversified over time.

4. Which of the following is the neutral subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom?

• A. Electron
• B. Proton
• C. Neutron
• D. Positron

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Neutron. Neutrons are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom that have no charge. They have a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu). The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus contributes to the mass number of the atom, which is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Choice A, Electron, is incorrect as electrons are negatively charged particles found outside the nucleus. Choice B, Proton, is incorrect as protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus. Choice D, Positron, is incorrect as positrons are positively charged antiparticles of electrons and are not typically found in the nucleus of an atom.

5. Which of the following organs functions as both an endocrine and exocrine gland?

• A. The kidney
• B. The spleen
• C. The pancreas
• D. The stomach

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The pancreas is the correct answer as it functions as both an endocrine and exocrine gland. The endocrine function involves secreting insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar levels, while the exocrine function involves releasing digestive enzymes into the small intestine to aid in digestion. The kidney (Choice A) primarily functions in the excretory system by filtering blood and producing urine. The spleen (Choice B) is involved in the immune system and blood storage but does not have endocrine or exocrine functions. The stomach (Choice D) is mainly an organ of the digestive system, secreting gastric juices to aid in digestion, but it does not have a dual endocrine and exocrine function like the pancreas.

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