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. Where does the electron transport chain occur in the cell?

• A. Cytosol
• B. Golgi apparatus
• C. Inner mitochondrial membrane
• D. Nucleus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The electron transport chain occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This process is crucial for the generation of ATP, the cell's energy currency. Choice A (Cytosol) is incorrect as the electron transport chain does not take place in the cytosol. Choice B (Golgi apparatus) is also incorrect as the Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging of proteins. Choice D (Nucleus) is incorrect as the nucleus houses the cell's genetic material but is not the location of the electron transport chain.

3. Which of the following terms refers to the degeneration of nerve tissue?

• A. Potentiation
• B. Demyelination
• C. Reuptake
• D. Neurogenesis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Demyelination specifically refers to the degeneration of the myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers. When demyelination occurs, nerve function and communication can be impaired. Potentiation involves the strengthening of synaptic connections, reuptake is the reabsorption process of neurotransmitters by the presynaptic neuron, and neurogenesis is the generation of new neurons. Therefore, the correct term for the degeneration of nerve tissue among the options provided is demyelination.

4. Which of the following best describes the process of osmosis?

• A. Movement of molecules against their concentration gradient
• B. Movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane
• C. Movement of water and solutes together
• D. Movement of large molecules through a membrane

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Osmosis is the process where water moves across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration. Choice A is incorrect because osmosis does not involve movement against the concentration gradient. Choice C is incorrect because osmosis primarily involves the movement of water, not water and solutes together. Choice D is incorrect as osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules, not large molecules, through a membrane.

5. In the suburban neighborhood of Northwoods, there has been a large population of deer, and residents have complained about them eating flowers and garden plants. What would be a logical explanation for the large increase in the deer population over the last two seasons?

• A. There has been an increase in the quantity of food sources in surrounding areas.
• B. The population of natural predators in Northwoods has decreased.
• C. Deer have migrated from surrounding areas.
• D. There has been a recent increase in hunting licenses sold.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a decrease in natural predators can lead to an increase in the deer population as there are fewer predators to control their numbers. This explanation aligns with the situation described in the question, where the deer population has increased, causing issues for residents. Choice A is incorrect because an increase in food sources would not directly explain the increase in the deer population. Choice C is incorrect as it introduces a new factor of migration which is not mentioned in the question. Choice D is incorrect as an increase in hunting licenses sold would likely have the opposite effect on the deer population.

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