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 property of a wave determines its loudness in sound waves?

• A. Amplitude
• B. Wavelength
• C. Frequency
• D. Speed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Amplitude. Amplitude is the property of a wave that determines its loudness in sound waves. The greater the amplitude of a sound wave, the louder the sound will be perceived. Wavelength and frequency are related to the pitch of the sound, with wavelength affecting the tone quality and frequency determining the pitch. Speed, on the other hand, is a characteristic of how fast the wave travels through a medium and does not directly influence the loudness of the sound.

3. What is the main difference between a nuclear reactor and a nuclear bomb?

• A. Reactors use enriched uranium, while bombs use natural uranium.
• B. Reactors have controlled chain reactions, while bombs have uncontrolled chain reactions.
• C. Reactors generate electricity, while bombs cause explosions.
• D. Reactors use moderators, while bombs don't.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main difference between a nuclear reactor and a nuclear bomb is that reactors have controlled chain reactions, while bombs have uncontrolled chain reactions. Nuclear reactors are designed to sustain a controlled nuclear reaction to generate electricity. In contrast, nuclear bombs are designed to release a massive amount of energy in an uncontrolled chain reaction, resulting in an explosion. Choice A is incorrect because both reactors and bombs can use enriched uranium. Choice C is incorrect as nuclear reactors also generate electricity, not just bombs. Choice D is incorrect because both reactors and bombs may or may not use moderators, but the key distinction lies in the control of the chain reaction.

4. Which hormone stimulates the release of calcium from bones and increases blood calcium levels?

• A. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
• B. Calcitonin
• C. Growth hormone
• D. Testosterone

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the correct answer. PTH stimulates the release of calcium from bones, leading to increased blood calcium levels. It acts on the bones to release calcium into the bloodstream, facilitates the kidneys' reabsorption of calcium, and triggers vitamin D activation to boost calcium absorption from the intestines. Choice B, Calcitonin, is incorrect as it works in opposition to PTH by decreasing blood calcium levels through inhibiting calcium release from bones. Choices C and D, Growth hormone and Testosterone, are not directly involved in calcium homeostasis and do not regulate blood calcium levels through bone calcium release mechanisms.

5. Diabetic nephropathy, a complication of diabetes, affects the:

• A. Ureters
• B. Bladder
• C. Urethra
• D. Nephrons

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Diabetic nephropathy, a complication of diabetes, affects the nephrons. Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. The high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can damage the nephrons over time, leading to kidney dysfunction and, ultimately, kidney failure. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because diabetic nephropathy primarily impacts the nephrons in the kidneys, not the ureters, bladder, or urethra.

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