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 cellular process ensures the accurate transmission of genetic material during cell division?

A. Mitosis (somatic cell division)
B. Meiosis (germ cell division)
C. Replication (DNA duplication)
D. Transcription (DNA to RNA conversion)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mitosis is the correct answer. Mitosis is the process by which somatic cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells. During mitosis, the genetic material is accurately replicated and distributed to ensure each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes. This process is crucial for growth, repair, and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Meiosis, on the other hand, is the type of cell division that occurs in germ cells to produce gametes (sperm and egg cells), focusing on genetic diversity through recombination and reduction of chromosome number. Replication is the process of copying DNA to produce an identical copy, essential for cell division but not the specific process ensuring accurate genetic material transmission. Transcription involves copying DNA into RNA, crucial for gene expression but not directly related to the accurate transmission of genetic material during cell division.

3. Which of the following characteristics is part of a person's genotype?

A. Brown eyes that appear hazel in the sunlight
B. The CFTR gene, which causes cystic fibrosis
C. Black hair that grows rapidly
D. Being a fast runner

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A genotype refers to a person's genetic makeup, which includes specific genes like the CFTR gene responsible for cystic fibrosis. Genes are the units of heredity and are part of an individual's genotype, influencing various traits and characteristics. Choice A, brown eyes that appear hazel in the sunlight, refers to a phenotype, which is the observable characteristics resulting from the interaction of genes and the environment. Choice C, black hair that grows rapidly, also describes a phenotype rather than a genotype. Choice D, being a fast runner, is a trait influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but it does not directly relate to a specific gene in the genotype.

4. What is the scientific name for the building blocks of proteins?

A. Residues
B. Monomers
C. Macromolecules
D. Peptides

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: - Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids. - Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are considered monomers. - Monomers are the individual units that can be linked together to form larger molecules called polymers. - In the context of proteins, amino acids are the monomers that are linked together through peptide bonds to form polypeptide chains, which then fold into functional proteins. - Residues refer to the specific amino acids within a protein after certain modifications or cleavages have occurred, so it is not the correct term for the building blocks of proteins. - Macromolecules are large molecules made up of smaller subunits, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates, but they are not the specific building blocks of proteins. - Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, but they are not the fundamental building blocks of proteins.

5. Which structure protects the lungs?

A. Femur
B. Ribcage
C. Scapula
D. Skull

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The ribcage is the correct answer. It protects the lungs by providing structural support and shielding them from injury. The femur is a bone in the thigh and does not protect the lungs. The scapula is a shoulder blade bone, and the skull protects the brain, not the lungs.