the phrase survival of the fittest refers to

ATI TEAS 7

ati teas 7 science

1. What does the phrase 'survival of the fittest' refer to?

A. Organisms with the most complex anatomical structures are more likely to survive and reproduce.
B. Organisms that demonstrate the best adaptations to their environment have a higher chance of survival and reproduction.
C. All organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success regardless of their traits.
D. Only the strongest and most aggressive individuals within a population will survive and reproduce.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The phrase 'survival of the fittest' is often associated with the concept of natural selection, proposed by Charles Darwin. Natural selection is the process by which organisms best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to the next generation. This process does not necessarily favor the most complex anatomical structures (option A) or the strongest and most aggressive individuals (option D). Instead, it emphasizes the importance of adaptations that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. Option C is incorrect because natural selection results in differential reproductive success based on an organism's traits, meaning that not all organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success.

2. Which of the following is NOT a typical component of healthy semen?

A. Sperm
B. Fructose (sugar)
C. Prostaglandins
D. Urine

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Healthy semen is composed of sperm, fructose (sugar), and prostaglandins. Urine is not a typical component of semen. While semen is ejaculated during sexual activity, urine is expelled through a separate pathway in the male reproductive system. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Urine.' Choices A, B, and C are all components found in healthy semen.

3. What is the primary function of the strong nuclear force?

A. Binding electrons in atomic orbitals
B. Binding protons and neutrons within the nucleus
C. Mediating the attractive force between opposite charges
D. Mediating the repulsive force between like charges

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The strong nuclear force primarily functions to bind protons and neutrons within the nucleus. It is responsible for overcoming the electrostatic repulsion between positively charged protons, holding the nucleus together. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the strong nuclear force specifically acts on nucleons (protons and neutrons) within the nucleus, not on electrons in atomic orbitals or charges outside the nucleus.

4. What is the building block of DNA?

A. Amino acid
B. Nucleotide
C. Phosphate group
D. Fatty acid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: - Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, not DNA. - Nucleotide is the correct building block of DNA. A nucleotide consists of a sugar (deoxyribose in DNA), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine). - The option 'C) Phosphate group' is incorrect as it is only part of a nucleotide, not the complete building block of DNA. - Fatty acids are not the building blocks of DNA; they are a type of lipid molecule.

5. Which type of wave requires a medium to travel through?

A. Electromagnetic waves
B. Mechanical waves
C. Sound waves
D. Both A and C

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Mechanical waves, unlike electromagnetic waves, require a medium (such as air, water, or solids) to propagate. Sound waves are a specific type of mechanical wave that necessitates a medium, like air or water, for transmission. Electromagnetic waves, on the other hand, can travel through a vacuum as they do not rely on a medium for propagation. Choice A (Electromagnetic waves) is incorrect since they do not require a medium to travel. Choice C (Sound waves) is partially correct in that it is a type of mechanical wave that needs a medium but is not the only type. Choice D (Both A and C) is incorrect because electromagnetic waves do not require a medium, only mechanical waves like sound waves do.