the concept of punctuated equilibrium suggests that

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Test 7 science

1. What does the concept of punctuated equilibrium suggest?

A. Evolution occurs gradually through the continuous accumulation of small changes over long periods.
B. Evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change.
C. The fossil record is a complete and accurate representation of all past life forms.
D. Natural selection primarily favors extreme phenotypes within a population.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Punctuated equilibrium suggests that evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change. This concept, proposed by Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge, implies that species remain relatively unchanged for extended periods, followed by sudden bursts of rapid evolution. Option A describes the gradualism model, which is different from punctuated equilibrium. Option C is inaccurate as the fossil record is incomplete and biased. Option D is unrelated to the concept of punctuated equilibrium.

2. What happens when the diaphragm contracts?

A. Air is expelled from the lungs.
B. The lungs expand to allow air intake.
C. The vocal cords vibrate to produce sound.
D. The trachea narrows to control airflow.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, creating more space in the chest cavity. This expansion of the chest cavity causes the lungs to expand as well, allowing air to be drawn into the lungs during inhalation. Therefore, the correct answer is that the lungs expand to allow air intake when the diaphragm contracts. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because when the diaphragm contracts, it does not expel air from the lungs, cause the vocal cords to vibrate, or narrow the trachea to control airflow.

3. Which part of the nervous system controls the 'fight or flight' response?

A. Central nervous system
B. Peripheral nervous system
C. Autonomic nervous system
D. Sympathetic nervous system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the sympathetic nervous system. It controls the 'fight or flight' response by preparing the body for stressful situations. The central nervous system (Choice A) consists of the brain and spinal cord but does not directly control the 'fight or flight' response. The peripheral nervous system (Choice B) includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, while the autonomic nervous system (Choice C) regulates involuntary bodily functions but is not specific to the 'fight or flight' response.

4. Which molecules are soluble in nonpolar solvents but are hydrophobic?

A. Carbohydrates
B. Lipids
C. Proteins
D. Nucleic acids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lipids are hydrophobic molecules that are soluble in nonpolar solvents like oils but insoluble in water. They consist of fats, oils, waxes, and steroids and play essential roles in energy storage, insulation, and cell membrane structure. Carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids are not typically soluble in nonpolar solvents and do not exhibit the same hydrophobic characteristics as lipids. Carbohydrates are usually hydrophilic and soluble in water, proteins have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions but are not generally soluble in nonpolar solvents, and nucleic acids are polar molecules that are not known for their solubility in nonpolar solvents.

5. Which vitamin requires intrinsic factor for proper absorption?

A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin C
C. Vitamin D
D. Vitamin B12

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Vitamin B12 requires intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein secreted by the parietal cells of the stomach, for proper absorption in the small intestine. Intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12 and facilitates its absorption in the ileum. Deficiency in intrinsic factor can lead to pernicious anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of vitamin B12 absorption. Options A, B, and C are incorrect. Vitamin A is absorbed in the small intestine with the help of bile salts; Vitamin C is absorbed in the small intestine via active transport; Vitamin D is absorbed in the small intestine through a process involving bile salts and micelles. It is essential for students to understand this relationship as it highlights the importance of intrinsic factor in the absorption of specific vitamins and the consequences of its deficiency.