Nursing Elites

1. After the Industrial Revolution, the population of peppered moths in England shifted towards more dark moths. This is an example of:

• A. Artificial selection (selective breeding by humans for desired traits)
• B. Natural selection acting on pre-existing variation
• C. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
• D. Lamarckism (inheritance of acquired characteristics)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The shift in the peppered moth population towards more dark moths in England after the Industrial Revolution exemplifies natural selection acting on pre-existing variation. Initially, light-colored moths were well-camouflaged against lichen-covered tree trunks, but with industrial pollution darkening the tree trunks, dark-colored moths gained a survival advantage. This change reflects how the environment favored dark moths over light ones, illustrating natural selection. The process illustrates how organisms with traits advantageous in a changing environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the prevalence of those traits in the population over time. The choices of artificial selection (A), punctuated equilibrium (C), and Lamarckism (D) are not applicable in this scenario. Artificial selection involves intentional breeding by humans, punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by periods of stability, and Lamarckism suggests the inheritance of acquired characteristics, none of which align with the observed shift in moth populations based on environmental changes.

2. Which muscle is voluntary, striated, and found attached to bones?

• A. Smooth muscle
• B. Skeletal muscle
• C. Cardiac muscle
• D. Epithelial muscle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle is both voluntary and striated, as well as attached to bones, allowing for movement. Smooth muscle, on the other hand, is involuntary and typically found in the walls of internal organs, controlling functions like digestion. Cardiac muscle is also striated, but it is involuntary and specifically found in the heart, responsible for cardiac contractions to pump blood. 'Epithelial muscle' is an incorrect term; epithelial tissue is a type of tissue that forms the linings of various body surfaces and structures, not a muscle type.

3. What is the term for a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring?

• A. Genus
• B. Phylum
• C. Kingdom
• D. Species

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A species is defined as a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, which is a fundamental concept in biology. This ability to interbreed and produce fertile offspring is a key characteristic that distinguishes one species from another. Genus (option A) refers to a taxonomic rank that includes one or more closely related species, not the ability to interbreed. Phylum (option B) and kingdom (option C) are higher taxonomic ranks that encompass a broader range of organisms, not specifically defined by interbreeding and fertile offspring production. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Species.'

4. What are the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the brain within the skull called?

• A. Meninges
• B. Cerebrospinal fluid
• C. Dura mater
• D. Arachnoid mater

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid acts as a shock absorber, protecting the brain from impact and providing nutrients to brain cells. Meninges are the three protective layers of tissue that surround the brain and spinal cord. Dura mater and arachnoid mater are specific layers of the meninges, not the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the brain.

5. Which part of the brain is responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Cerebellum
• C. Medulla oblongata
• D. Thalamus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Cerebrum. The cerebrum, the largest part of the brain, controls voluntary muscle movements, along with cognitive functions like thinking, perception, and decision-making. It is crucial for motor coordination and the regulation of voluntary movements. The Cerebellum (Choice B) is responsible for coordinating movement, balance, and posture, but not specifically for voluntary muscle movements. The Medulla oblongata (Choice C) is involved in controlling autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate, not voluntary muscle movements. The Thalamus (Choice D) acts as a relay station for sensory information but is not primarily responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements.

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