the neutral theory of molecular evolution proposes that

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science study guide free

1. The neutral theory of molecular evolution proposes that:

A. Most mutations in DNA are selectively neutral and do not affect an organism's fitness.
B. All mutations are beneficial and contribute to the adaptation of a population.
C. The rate of evolution is primarily driven by strong directional selection pressures.
D. Genetic drift plays a negligible role in shaping genetic variation within populations.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: A) The neutral theory of molecular evolution, proposed by Motoo Kimura in the 1960s, suggests that the majority of mutations that occur in DNA are selectively neutral, meaning they do not have a significant impact on an organism's fitness. These neutral mutations are not subject to natural selection and are allowed to accumulate in populations over time. This theory helps explain the high levels of genetic variation observed within populations. B) Option B is incorrect because not all mutations are beneficial. Mutations can be neutral, harmful, or beneficial, and the neutral theory specifically focuses on the idea that many mutations are neutral in their effects. C) Option C is incorrect because the neutral theory suggests that evolution is not primarily driven by strong directional selection pressures. Instead, it emphasizes the role of genetic drift and the accumulation of neutral mutations in shaping genetic variation. D) Option D is incorrect because

2. What is the net ionic equation for the reaction: 2HCl(aq) + Ba(OH)2(aq) → 2H2O(l) + BaCl2(aq)?

A. 2H+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) → 2H2O(l)
B. 2HCl(aq) + Ba(OH)2(aq) → BaCl2(aq) + 2H2O(l)
C. 2H+(aq) + Ba2+(aq) → Ba2+(aq) + 2H+(aq)
D. Ba(OH)2(aq) + HCl(aq) → BaCl2(aq) + 2H2O(l)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the given reaction, the complete ionic equation is: 2H+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) + Ba2+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) → 2H2O(l) + Ba2+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq). Spectator ions (Ba2+ and Cl-) do not participate in the net ionic equation, which simplifies to: 2H+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) → 2H2O(l). This equation represents the significant species involved in the reaction, showcasing the formation of water from the combination of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions, resulting in the production of water molecules.

3. What hormones are produced in the ovaries, and what are their functions?

A. Insulin: regulates blood sugar levels
B. Progesterone: stimulates uterine lining growth
C. Adrenaline: increases heart rate
D. Cortisol: regulates stress response

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Progesterone, produced in the ovaries, stimulates uterine lining growth and plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle. Insulin is produced in the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels, not in the ovaries. Adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands and increases heart rate in response to stress or danger, not in the ovaries. Cortisol, also produced by the adrenal glands, helps regulate the body's response to stress, not in the ovaries.

4. A large geographic area characterized by similar climate, plants, and animals is called a:

A. Population
B. Community
C. Biome
D. Ecosystem

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Population refers to a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area. B) Community refers to all the populations of different species living and interacting in a particular area. C) Biome is a large geographic area characterized by similar climate, plants, and animals. Biomes are defined by factors such as temperature, precipitation, and vegetation types. D) Ecosystem refers to a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment. An ecosystem can be part of a biome.

5. Which property of matter remains constant regardless of changes in gravity?

A. Mass
B. Weight
C. Volume
D. Density

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of changes in gravity. Weight, on the other hand, is the force of gravity acting on an object and can vary depending on the strength of gravity. Volume is the amount of space an object occupies, and density is the mass per unit volume of a substance, both of which can change with changes in gravity. Therefore, mass is the property that remains the same regardless of variations in gravitational force. Choice B, Weight, changes with gravity as it is a force dependent on gravity. Choices C and D, Volume and Density, can be affected by changes in gravity as they are related to the space an object occupies and the mass per unit volume, respectively.