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. What is the major difference between somatic and germline mutations?

• A. Somatic mutations usually benefit the individual while germline mutations usually harm them.
• B. Since germline mutations only affect one cell, they are less noticeable than the rapidly dividing somatic cells.
• C. Somatic mutations are not expressed for several generations, but germline mutations are expressed immediately.
• D. Germline mutations are usually inherited while somatic mutations will affect only the individual.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The major difference between somatic and germline mutations is that germline mutations are usually inherited and can be passed on to offspring, while somatic mutations occur in non-reproductive cells and only affect the individual in which they occur. This means that germline mutations have the potential to be present in future generations, while somatic mutations do not.

3. What is the SI unit of measurement for momentum?

• A. Newton (N)
• B. Kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s)
• C. Joule (J)
• D. Newton-second (N·s)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct SI unit of measurement for momentum is kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s). Momentum is a vector quantity that is calculated by multiplying an object's mass (in kilograms) by its velocity (in meters per second), resulting in the unit kg·m/s. This unit represents the quantity of motion an object possesses, taking into account both the mass and velocity of the object. Choice A, Newton (N), is the unit of force, not momentum. Choice C, Joule (J), is the unit of energy, not momentum. Choice D, Newton-second (N·s), is the unit of impulse, not momentum.

4. Which of the following components is found in DNA?

• A. Uracil
• B. Deoxyribose
• C. Guanine
• D. Phosphate group

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Deoxyribose. DNA is composed of nucleotides containing deoxyribose sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine). Deoxyribose is the sugar component specific to DNA, while ribose is found in RNA. Guanine (choice C) is a nitrogenous base present in both DNA and RNA. Uracil (choice A) is a nitrogenous base specific to RNA, replacing thymine found in DNA. The phosphate group (choice D) is an essential part of nucleotides in both DNA and RNA, providing the backbone structure for the nucleic acid chains.

5. Which represents the correct order of airflow in the lungs?

• A. Bronchi, trachea, alveoli, bronchioles
• B. Alveoli, bronchioles, bronchi, trachea
• C. Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli
• D. Bronchioles, alveoli, trachea, bronchi

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct order of airflow in the lungs starts with air entering through the trachea, moving into the bronchi, then proceeding to the bronchioles, and finally reaching the alveoli where gas exchange occurs. Therefore, the correct sequence is Trachea, Bronchi, Bronchioles, Alveoli, making choice C the accurate representation of the airflow in the lungs. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not follow the anatomical path of airflow in the lungs as air moves from the trachea to the bronchi, then bronchioles, and finally the alveoli for gas exchange.

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