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 of the following is NOT a function of the cilia lining the respiratory tract?

• A. Trapping inhaled dust and debris
• B. Moistening inhaled air
• C. Producing mucus
• D. Propelling mucus upwards towards the throat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Moistening inhaled air. The cilia lining the respiratory tract primarily function to trap inhaled dust and debris, produce mucus, and propel the mucus upwards towards the throat for removal. Moistening inhaled air is primarily done by the mucous membranes in the nasal passages, which contain blood vessels that help warm and humidify the air as it passes through the nasal cavity. Therefore, the function of moistening inhaled air is not directly associated with the cilia in the respiratory tract, making it the correct choice in this scenario. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are all functions carried out by the cilia in the respiratory tract.

3. What does the phrase 'survival of the fittest' refer to?

• A. Organisms with the most complex anatomical structures are more likely to survive and reproduce.
• B. Organisms that demonstrate the best adaptations to their environment have a higher chance of survival and reproduction.
• C. All organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success regardless of their traits.
• D. Only the strongest and most aggressive individuals within a population will survive and reproduce.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The phrase 'survival of the fittest' is often associated with the concept of natural selection, proposed by Charles Darwin. Natural selection is the process by which organisms best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to the next generation. This process does not necessarily favor the most complex anatomical structures (option A) or the strongest and most aggressive individuals (option D). Instead, it emphasizes the importance of adaptations that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. Option C is incorrect because natural selection results in differential reproductive success based on an organism's traits, meaning that not all organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success.

4. Which of the following organs is responsible for producing digestive enzymes?

• A. Liver
• B. Pancreas
• C. Gallbladder
• D. Esophagus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Pancreas. The pancreas is an organ that produces digestive enzymes to aid in the breakdown of food in the small intestine. These enzymes play a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from the food we eat. The liver is responsible for producing bile, not digestive enzymes. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver, which aids in the digestion of fats. The esophagus is a muscular tube that helps in the movement of food from the mouth to the stomach and does not produce digestive enzymes.

5. Which of the following describes the term allele?

• A. A specific form of a gene that can exist at a particular locus
• B. An inheritable variation of a gene
• C. A grouping of various genes
• D. Variations of complementary base pairs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Alleles are different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus. They represent variations of a gene and are inheritable. Choice A is incorrect as it does not fully capture the concept of an allele, which is a specific form of a gene rather than a substitution. Choice C is incorrect as alleles are not a grouping of various genes but rather different forms of a single gene at a specific locus. Choice D is also incorrect as it does not accurately describe alleles; alleles are variations of genes, not base pairs.

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