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 type of waves exhibit both longitudinal and transverse motion?

A. Electromagnetic waves
B. Surface waves
C. Mechanical waves
D. Sound waves

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Surface waves exhibit both longitudinal and transverse motion. These waves travel along the boundary between two different mediums, such as water and air, causing particles to move both parallel (longitudinal) and perpendicular (transverse) to the wave's direction of travel. This unique characteristic distinguishes surface waves from other types of waves, making them the correct answer in this context. Electromagnetic waves, like light and radio waves, are purely transverse in nature, propagating through vacuum or different media through oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to the direction of wave travel. Mechanical waves, including both transverse (e.g., water waves) and longitudinal (e.g., sound waves in air) waves, do not typically exhibit both types of motion simultaneously, unlike surface waves.

3. In meiosis, how many divisions occur, and how many daughter cells are produced?

A. One division, two daughter cells
B. Two divisions, four daughter cells
C. Four divisions, eight daughter cells
D. Eight divisions, sixteen daughter cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In meiosis, there are two divisions: meiosis I and meiosis II. During meiosis I, homologous chromosomes separate, resulting in two daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. In meiosis II, sister chromatids separate, resulting in a total of four daughter cells, each with a haploid set of chromosomes. Therefore, meiosis involves two divisions and produces four daughter cells. Choice A is incorrect because meiosis involves two divisions, not one. Choice C and D are incorrect as meiosis does not go through four or eight divisions, resulting in eight or sixteen daughter cells.

4. Which factor most significantly affects the kinetic energy of an object?

A. The object's mass
B. The object's velocity
C. The object's displacement
D. The object's potential energy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Kinetic energy is directly proportional to the square of an object's velocity. This means that changes in velocity have a greater impact on the kinetic energy of an object compared to changes in mass, displacement, or potential energy. The mass of an object affects its kinetic energy, but the effect is linear, not squared like velocity. Displacement does not directly affect kinetic energy, as it is a measure of the change in position, not related to motion. Potential energy is a different form of energy and is not directly related to the kinetic energy of an object. Therefore, the velocity of an object has the most significant effect on its kinetic energy.

5. The small intestine is where most of the chemical digestion and nutrient absorption occur. What is the finger-like projection in the small intestine that increases its surface area for absorption?

A. Rugae
B. Villi
C. Microvilli
D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Microvilli are the finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase its surface area for absorption. Villi are also present in the small intestine and help increase the surface area for absorption. However, microvilli are smaller structures found on the surface of villi, further increasing the surface area available for nutrient absorption. Rugae are folds in the stomach that allow for expansion when food is consumed and are not found in the small intestine. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Microvilli. Villi and microvilli are specific to the small intestine, playing vital roles in nutrient absorption, while rugae are specific to the stomach's structure and function, serving a different purpose than increasing surface area for absorption.