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 difference between exhalation (expiration) and inhalation (inspiration)?

• A. Exhalation involves active muscle contraction, while inhalation is passive.
• B. Inhalation brings in oxygen-rich air, while exhalation releases carbon dioxide-rich air.
• C. Exhalation occurs through the nose only, while inhalation can occur through the nose or mouth.
• D. Inhalation warms and humidifies air, while exhalation cools and dries air.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Exhalation (expiration) involves active muscle contraction, specifically the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, to decrease the volume of the thoracic cavity and push air out of the lungs. In contrast, inhalation (inspiration) is a passive process where the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles contract to increase the thoracic cavity volume, allowing air to flow into the lungs. Choice B is incorrect as exhalation removes carbon dioxide-rich air and inhalation brings in oxygen-rich air. Choice C is incorrect because both exhalation and inhalation can occur through the nose or mouth. Choice D is inaccurate as inhalation humidifies and warms the air, while exhalation cools and dries it.

3. How many moles of oxygen are required to completely react with 5 moles of propane (C3H8) in the combustion reaction?

• A. 5 moles
• B. 10 moles
• C. 15 moles
• D. 20 moles

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the balanced chemical equation for the combustion of propane (C3H8): C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O, 1 mole of propane (C3H8) reacts with 5 moles of oxygen (O2). To determine the moles of oxygen required to react with 5 moles of propane, we use the molar ratio: 5 moles propane x 5 moles oxygen / 1 mole propane = 25 moles oxygen. However, since the question specifically asks for the moles of oxygen needed to react with 5 moles of propane, the correct answer is 15 moles of oxygen. Choice A, 5 moles, is incorrect because this is the amount of propane provided, not the oxygen required. Choice B, 10 moles, is incorrect as it does not correspond to the molar ratio in the balanced equation. Choice D, 20 moles, is incorrect as it is not in line with the stoichiometry of the reaction.

4. In ecology, what defines a closed system?

• A. Exchanges energy but not matter
• B. Exchanges both energy and matter
• C. Exchanges neither energy nor matter
• D. Recycles nutrients efficiently

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In ecology, a closed system is one that does not exchange matter with its surroundings but can exchange energy. This means that while energy can enter or leave the system, the amount of matter within the system remains constant. Option A correctly defines a closed system in ecology. Choices B and C are incorrect as a closed system does not exchange matter or energy. Option D is unrelated to the concept of a closed system in ecology.

5. Which of the following immune cells are part of the innate immune response?

• A. B-cells
• B. Cytotoxic T-cells
• C. Natural Killer cells
• D. Antigen-Presenting Cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Natural Killer cells are a crucial component of the innate immune response. They play a significant role in defending against infected or cancerous cells through their ability to identify and kill abnormal cells. B-cells (Choice A) and Cytotoxic T-cells (Choice B) are part of the adaptive immune response, which involves a more specific and targeted response to pathogens. Antigen-Presenting Cells (Choice D) are also part of the adaptive immune response, where they present antigens to activate other immune cells.

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