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. Imagine you have an element with atomic number 20 and mass number 40. How many neutrons does it have?

• A. 20
• B. 40
• C. 10
• D. 20

Correct answer: C

Rationale: - The atomic number (Z) represents the number of protons in an atom. In this case, the atomic number is 20. - The mass number (A) represents the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom. In this case, the mass number is 40. - To find the number of neutrons, you subtract the atomic number from the mass number: Neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number. - Neutrons = 40 - 20 = 20. - Therefore, the element with atomic number 20 and mass number 40 has 20 neutrons.

3. The critical angle is defined as the minimum angle of incidence in a denser medium for which light undergoes:

• A. Total internal reflection
• B. Continued refraction
• C. Specular reflection
• D. Increased dispersion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The critical angle is the minimum angle of incidence in a denser medium at which light undergoes total internal reflection instead of refraction. This phenomenon occurs when light travels from a denser medium to a less dense medium, and the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle. Total internal reflection is a crucial concept in optics and is utilized in various applications such as fiber optics and prisms. Choice B, 'Continued refraction,' is incorrect as the critical angle specifically marks the point at which total internal reflection occurs, not continued refraction. Choice C, 'Specular reflection,' does not accurately describe the phenomenon associated with the critical angle. Choice D, 'Increased dispersion,' is unrelated to the concept of the critical angle and does not describe the behavior of light at this specific point.

4. Based on the following evidence, what is the most likely reason that spoiled food left out in the open often contains fly larvae?

• A. The spoiled food evolves into fly larvae.
• B. Since the food is left out in the open, flies lay eggs in the food.
• C. Fly larvae are spontaneously generated by the spoiled food.
• D. People only imagine they see fly larvae in the spoiled food.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Flies laying eggs in the food when it is left exposed to the air is a common occurrence and a logical explanation for the presence of fly larvae in spoiled food. Choice A is incorrect as food cannot evolve into fly larvae; fly larvae come from eggs laid by flies. Choice C is incorrect as fly larvae do not spontaneously generate from spoiled food but rather develop from eggs laid by flies. Choice D is incorrect as the presence of fly larvae in spoiled food is a real phenomenon, not merely imagined by people.

5. What is the main function of dietary fiber in the digestive system?

• A. To provide energy
• B. To break down fats
• C. To promote gut bacteria growth
• D. To aid in absorption of nutrients

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dietary fiber refers to the indigestible portion of plant foods that passes relatively intact through the digestive system. While fiber does not directly provide energy to the body, it plays a crucial role in promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. These bacteria help in the fermentation of fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids that can be used as an energy source by the body. Additionally, fiber aids in regulating bowel movements, maintaining gut health, and supporting overall digestive function. The functions described in the incorrect choices do not align with the primary role of dietary fiber in the digestive system. Choice A is incorrect because fiber itself is not a direct energy source. Choice B is incorrect as fiber does not break down fats. Choice D is incorrect because while fiber affects nutrient absorption indirectly by supporting gut health, its primary role is not to aid in the absorption of nutrients.

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