Nursing Elites

1. Why is biodiversity important for healthy ecosystems?

• A. Increases stability and resilience to disturbances
• B. Provides stability and resilience to disturbances
• C. Slows down nutrient cycling
• D. Reduces the number of decomposers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in a particular area. A diverse ecosystem is better able to withstand and recover from disturbances such as natural disasters, climate change, or human impacts. This is because different species play unique roles in the ecosystem, and a higher level of biodiversity means there are more species available to fulfill these roles. For example, if one species is negatively affected by a disturbance, other species may be able to compensate for its loss, maintaining the overall functioning of the ecosystem. Therefore, biodiversity provides stability and resilience to disturbances, making ecosystems healthier and more sustainable. Choice A is incorrect because biodiversity doesn't increase competition for resources but rather helps in maintaining a balance within the ecosystem. Choice C is incorrect as biodiversity does not slow down nutrient cycling; in fact, it enhances nutrient cycling by ensuring a variety of species involved in the process. Choice D is incorrect as biodiversity does not reduce the number of decomposers but instead supports a diverse community of decomposers that are essential for nutrient recycling in ecosystems.

2. Which of the following is a characteristic of an interneuron?

• A. Forms neural circuits
• B. Interacts with effectors
• C. Sends impulses to the CNS
• D. Functions as an efferent nerve cell

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct characteristic of an interneuron is that it forms neural circuits, connecting sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system. Interneurons facilitate communication between different neurons in the central nervous system, helping in the processing and integration of signals. Choice B is incorrect as interneurons primarily interact with other neurons, not effectors. Choice C is incorrect as interneurons typically do not send impulses to the CNS; they operate within the CNS. Choice D is incorrect as interneurons are not efferent nerve cells; they are mainly involved in processing signals within the CNS rather than transmitting signals to effectors.

3. What is the protective fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord called?

• A. Blood
• B. Cerebrospinal fluid
• C. Plasma
• D. Myelin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cerebrospinal fluid is the protective fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It acts as a cushion to protect these vital organs from injury and provides nutrients to the nervous system. Blood, plasma, and myelin are not the fluids specifically surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Blood is found within blood vessels, plasma is the liquid component of blood, and myelin is a fatty substance that forms a protective sheath around nerve fibers.

4. What is the building block of DNA?

• A. Amino acid
• B. Nucleotide
• C. Phosphate group
• D. Fatty acid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: - Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, not DNA. - Nucleotide is the correct building block of DNA. A nucleotide consists of a sugar (deoxyribose in DNA), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine). - The option 'C) Phosphate group' is incorrect as it is only part of a nucleotide, not the complete building block of DNA. - Fatty acids are not the building blocks of DNA; they are a type of lipid molecule.

5. Which part of the digestive system is responsible for absorbing nutrients?

• A. Esophagus
• B. Stomach
• C. Small intestine
• D. Large intestine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The small intestine is the correct answer because it is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It contains specialized structures such as villi and microvilli that maximize the absorption of nutrients from digested food. The esophagus is responsible for transporting food from the mouth to the stomach; the stomach primarily aids in digestion by secreting enzymes and acids; and the large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes from the remaining indigestible food matter. Therefore, the small intestine plays a crucial role in absorbing essential nutrients for the body's functions, making it the correct choice in this context.

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