Nursing Elites

1. Decomposers in an ecosystem play a vital role by:

• A. Photosynthesizing and producing organic matter
• B. Breaking down dead organisms and returning nutrients to the environment
• C. Preying on herbivores and controlling their populations
• D. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and making it available to plants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances. By doing so, they help to recycle nutrients back into the environment, making them available for other organisms to use. This process is essential for the functioning of ecosystems, as it ensures that nutrients are not lost but instead are continuously cycled through the ecosystem. Photosynthesis (option A) is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, and it is not a role of decomposers. Preying on herbivores (option C) is a role typically carried out by predators, not decomposers. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere (option D) is a process carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, not decomposers.

2. How is power related to time?

• A. Power is inversely proportional to time
• B. Power is directly proportional to time
• C. Power is unrelated to time
• D. Power is the product of time and work

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Power is a measure of how quickly work is done or energy is transferred. It is defined as the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. Power is not directly or inversely proportional to time, as it depends on the amount of work done or energy transferred, not the duration over which it is done. The relationship between power and time is not a direct one, so power is unrelated to time. Choice A and B are incorrect because power's relationship with time is not one of direct or inverse proportionality. Choice D is incorrect because power is not simply the product of time and work; it is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred, which can vary independently of time.

3. Which indicator is commonly used to distinguish between acidic and basic solutions?

• A. Methyl orange
• B. Phenolphthalein
• C. Universal indicator
• D. All of the above are common indicators.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Phenolphthalein is commonly used to differentiate between acidic and basic solutions. It changes color, turning pink in basic solutions and remaining colorless in acidic solutions due to a specific pH range. While methyl orange and universal indicator are also indicators used for pH testing, phenolphthalein is especially known for its distinctive color change in response to acidic and basic solutions, making it the correct choice. Methyl orange is typically used in titrations for a sharp color change at a specific pH, and the universal indicator is a mixture of indicators displaying a range of colors depending on the pH value, not specifically tailored to acidic and basic distinctions.

4. 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.

5. What is the term for a group of organisms with the same genetic makeup?

• A. Population
• B. Clone
• C. Genotype
• D. Species

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this context, a clone (option B) is a group of organisms that are genetically identical because they are derived from a single ancestor. A population (option A) refers to a group of individuals of the same species living in the same area. Genotype (option C) refers to the genetic makeup of an individual organism. Species (option D) refers to a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Therefore, the most appropriate choice for the question is 'Clone,' as it specifically refers to organisms with the same genetic makeup.

Similar Questions