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 macromolecules are formed from amino acids, and what are their roles?

A. Lipids; store energy
B. Carbohydrates; provide energy
C. Proteins; perform various functions like catalysis, transport, and structural support
D. Nucleic acids; store genetic information

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Proteins are macromolecules formed from amino acids and have diverse roles, such as serving as enzymes, transport molecules, and providing structural support. They are essential for catalysis, cellular communication, immune response, and many other functions in living organisms. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Lipids are not formed from amino acids but from fatty acids and glycerol, mainly serving as energy storage molecules. Carbohydrates are composed of sugars and provide energy to the body. Nucleic acids, like DNA and RNA, are made up of nucleotides and store genetic information in cells.

3. What are the white blood cells responsible for coordinating the immune response called?

A. Red blood cells
B. Platelets
C. Lymphocytes
D. Neutrophils

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Lymphocytes, which include B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, are responsible for coordinating the immune response. They play a crucial role in recognizing and fighting against pathogens and foreign substances in the body. Red blood cells are responsible for oxygen transport, platelets aid in blood clotting, and neutrophils are white blood cells primarily involved in combating infections. Therefore, the correct answer is C, lymphocytes, as they are specifically involved in coordinating immune responses.

4. Which of the following infectious diseases can be caused by a protozoan parasite?

A. Measles
B. Malaria
C. Mumps
D. Mononucleosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Malaria. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium, a protozoan parasite transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Measles and mumps are viral diseases caused by separate viruses. Mononucleosis, on the other hand, is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which is also a viral infection. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are caused by viruses, not protozoa.

5. Dysentery is an infectious disease caused by which type of microbe?

A. Helminth
B. Bacteria
C. Protozoan
D. Fungus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bacteria. Dysentery is typically caused by bacterial infections, such as Shigella, Campylobacter, or Escherichia coli. While parasites and protozoa can also cause similar symptoms, bacterial infections are the most common causes of dysentery. Choice A (Helminth) is incorrect as helminths are parasitic worms that typically cause different types of infections. Choice C (Protozoan) is incorrect as some protozoa like Entamoeba histolytica can cause dysentery, but bacterial infections are more common. Choice D (Fungus) is incorrect as fungal infections do not typically cause dysentery.