Nursing Elites

1. As cattle graze, cattle egrets consume the insects they stir up. This is an example of ___________.

• A. Mutualism
• B. Parasitism
• C. Commensalism
• D. Competition

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Commensalism is a relationship between two species in which one benefits without affecting the other species. In this scenario, the cattle egrets benefit from the insects stirred up by cattle while the cattle are not significantly impacted by the presence of the egrets. The egrets obtain food easily, and the cattle are neither harmed nor helped by the egrets' presence, making it an example of commensalism. Mutualism involves both species benefiting, parasitism involves one species benefiting at the expense of the other, and competition involves both species being negatively affected by their interactions, none of which apply to the relationship between cattle and cattle egrets in this context.

2. Within the biological hierarchical system of organization, which of the following is least inclusive?

• A. phylum
• B. order
• C. kingdom
• D. species

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: species.' In the biological hierarchical system of organization, a species is the least inclusive level. A species consists of organisms that share similar characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. On the other hand, a phylum, order, and kingdom are more inclusive classifications that encompass multiple species. Phylum groups together related classes, order groups together related families, and kingdom groups together related phyla. Therefore, species is the least inclusive category within the biological hierarchical system.

3. Why does cellular respiration happen?

• A. Cells can copy DNA
• B. Cells can breathe
• C. Cells can convert nutrients to energy
• D. Cells can divide

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cellular respiration is the process through which cells break down nutrients such as glucose to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell. This process allows cells to extract energy from food molecules and use it for various cellular activities and functions. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because cellular respiration is specifically about converting nutrients to energy, not about DNA copying, breathing, or cell division.

4. Which, if any, of the following statements about the biosphere is correct?

• A. The biosphere is the part of the Earth that supports life.
• B. The biosphere encompasses the entire surface of the Earth.
• C. A and B are correct.
• D. None of these statements is correct.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Statement A is correct. The biosphere refers to the part of the Earth where life exists, including the land, water bodies, and atmosphere. It is the zone where living organisms and ecosystems exist. Statement B is incorrect because the biosphere covers various ecosystems on Earth but does not encompass the entire surface of the planet. The biosphere includes regions such as the lithosphere (land), hydrosphere (water bodies), and atmosphere, but not every part of the Earth's surface. Therefore, option C, stating both A and B are correct, is inaccurate. The correct answer is option A, as it accurately defines the biosphere.

5. Which of the following bases is not present in RNA?

• A. Adenine
• B. Thymine
• C. Uracil
• D. Cytosine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Thymine is not present in RNA. RNA uses uracil as one of its bases, which pairs with adenine. In RNA, adenine does not pair with thymine as in DNA. Cytosine and guanine are the other two bases found in both RNA and DNA.

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