Nursing Elites

1. What is the fatty substance that coats axons to insulate, protect, and speed up impulses?

• A. Myelin
• B. Dendrite
• C. Neuron
• D. Synapse

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Myelin.' Myelin is a fatty substance that functions as an insulator for axons, providing protection and enhancing the speed of electrical impulses along neurons. This insulation is essential for ensuring efficient and rapid communication within the nervous system. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Dendrites are branched extensions of a neuron that receive signals, neurons are the basic building blocks of the nervous system that transmit information, and synapses are the junctions between neurons where communication occurs.

2. If a scientist finds that the results of her experiment seem to contradict her hypothesis, what is the best course of action?

• A. Publish the results anyway, acknowledging that her hypothesis seems to have been incorrect.
• B. Keep trying the experiment until the results match her hypothesis.
• C. Publish the results, retroactively changing the hypothesis.
• D. None of the above; this cannot occur. The experimental results cannot contradict the hypothesis, by definition.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best course of action is to publish the results anyway, acknowledging that her hypothesis seems to have been incorrect. Science relies on accurate reporting and transparency, even if the results do not align with the original hypothesis. This allows for further discussion, analysis, and potentially new hypotheses to be developed based on the findings. It is essential in scientific research to report both positive and negative results to contribute to the body of knowledge and advance understanding in the field. Choice B is incorrect because persisting with the same experiment to force results to align with the hypothesis goes against scientific integrity and may lead to biased conclusions. Choice C is incorrect as changing the hypothesis after obtaining results is not scientifically sound and undermines the credibility of the research. Choice D is incorrect because science embraces the possibility of experimental results contradicting hypotheses, as this provides valuable insights for refining theories and expanding scientific knowledge.

3. Which of the following is NOT a mechanism that can directly cause evolution by natural selection?

• A. Mutations in genes
• B. Differential survival and reproduction based on traits
• C. Inheritance of acquired characteristics (like strong muscles from working out)
• D. Competition for resources in an environment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Mutations in genes can introduce new genetic variations into a population, which can be acted upon by natural selection. B) Differential survival and reproduction based on traits is a key component of natural selection, as individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation. C) Inheritance of acquired characteristics, also known as Lamarckism, is not a mechanism of evolution by natural selection. Traits acquired during an individual's lifetime (such as strong muscles from working out) are not passed on to offspring. D) Competition for resources in an environment can drive natural selection by favoring individuals with traits that help them better compete for limited resources. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Inheritance of acquired characteristics (like strong muscles from working out), as it is not a mechanism that can directly cause evolution by natural selection.

4. What are organisms that break down dead organisms and return nutrients to the environment called?

• A. Producers
• B. Decomposers
• C. Consumers
• D. Parasites

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Decomposers are essential organisms in the ecosystem as they break down dead organisms and organic matter, such as bacteria, fungi, and some insects. By decomposing complex organic materials into simpler forms, they release nutrients back into the environment for other organisms to utilize. Producers (option A) are organisms that generate their own food through photosynthesis; consumers (option C) are organisms that feed on other organisms for energy, and parasites (option D) are organisms that live on or in another organism, benefiting at the host's expense rather than breaking down dead organisms for nutrient recycling.

5. Which of the following is an example of a chemical change?

• A. Dissolving sugar in water
• B. Boiling water
• C. Rusting iron
• D. Crushing ice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rusting iron is an example of a chemical change because it involves a chemical reaction where iron reacts with oxygen in the presence of water to form iron oxide (rust). This reaction results in a change in the chemical composition of the iron, unlike dissolving sugar in water, boiling water, or crushing ice, which are physical changes. Dissolving sugar in water is a physical change as sugar molecules remain unchanged but disperse in water. Boiling water is also a physical change as water changes its state from liquid to gas due to heat. Crushing ice is a physical change as the solid ice changes its physical form without altering its chemical composition.

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