which of the following describes a reflex arc

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Practice Test

1. Which of the following describes a reflex arc?

A. The storage and recall of memory
B. The maintenance of visual and auditory acuity
C. The autoregulation of heart rate and blood pressure
D. A stimulus and response controlled by the spinal cord

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Choice D correctly describes a reflex arc. A reflex arc is a neural pathway that controls a reflex action. It involves a specific sequence of events that occur in response to a stimulus, which is rapidly and involuntarily processed by the spinal cord. The spinal cord coordinates the quick processing of sensory input and the generation of a motor response without involving the brain, allowing for rapid protective responses. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately describe a reflex arc. A reflex arc is specifically related to the rapid and involuntary response to a stimulus through neural pathways involving the spinal cord, not memory storage, visual and auditory acuity maintenance, or heart rate and blood pressure autoregulation.

2. What is the control, if any, in this experiment?

A. There is no control in this experiment
B. The control is the water
C. The control is the diet soda
D. The control is the amount of sunlight provided to the plants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The control is the water.' In a scientific experiment, the control group is used as a baseline comparison to evaluate the effects of the variables being tested. Here, the water serves as the control group against which the effects of other substances like diet soda or different amounts of sunlight can be compared. Choice A is incorrect as every experiment should have a control group for comparison. Choice C and D are incorrect as they are not the standard control in this scenario.

3. What is the periodic law?

A. The statement that the properties of the elements are a periodic function of their atomic numbers.
B. The statement that elements can be arranged in a table where elements with similar properties are grouped together.
C. The statement that elements can be arranged in a table where the atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus.
D. The statement that elements can be arranged in a table where the atomic mass of an element is equal to the number of neutrons in its nucleus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The periodic law states that the properties of elements are a periodic function of their atomic numbers. This means that when elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number, there is a periodic repetition of their properties. This forms the basis for the modern periodic table. Option B describes the organization of elements in the periodic table, which is related to the periodic law but not the definition of it. Options C and D are incorrect as they describe concepts related to atomic structure (atomic number and atomic mass) rather than the periodic law itself.

4. What is the process by which decomposers break down organic matter?

A. Photosynthesis
B. Bioremediation
C. Decomposition
D. Nitrification

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy to produce glucose from carbon dioxide and water. This process is not related to the breakdown of organic matter by decomposers. B) Bioremediation is the use of living organisms to clean up contaminated environments. While it involves the use of microorganisms to break down pollutants, it is not specifically focused on breaking down organic matter. C) Decomposition is the process by which decomposers such as bacteria, fungi, and other organisms break down organic matter into simpler substances. This process is essential for nutrient recycling in ecosystems. D) Nitrification is the biological oxidation of ammonia or ammonium to nitrite followed by the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate by nitrifying bacteria. This process is part of the nitrogen cycle and is not directly related to the breakdown of organic matter.

5. How did life most likely arise on Earth?

A. From simple organic molecules in a primordial soup
B. By spontaneous generation from non-living matter
C. Through the arrival of extraterrestrial life forms
D. We still don't know for sure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most widely accepted scientific theory for the origin of life on Earth is abiogenesis, which suggests that life arose from simple organic molecules in a primordial soup. This theory is supported by experiments such as the Miller-Urey experiment, which demonstrated that the basic building blocks of life could have formed under early Earth conditions. While there are other hypotheses and ongoing research in this field, the primordial soup theory is currently the most plausible explanation for the origin of life on Earth. Option B, spontaneous generation from non-living matter, has been disproven and is not considered a valid explanation. Option C, the arrival of extraterrestrial life forms, lacks evidence and is not a widely accepted theory. Option D, stating that we still don't know for sure, is true to some extent as the origin of life is a complex topic, but current scientific understanding leans towards abiogenesis from simple organic molecules in a primordial soup.