Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Decomposers in an ecosystem play a vital role by:

• A. Photosynthesizing and producing organic matter
• B. Breaking down dead organisms and returning nutrients to the environment
• C. Preying on herbivores and controlling their populations
• D. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and making it available to plants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances. By doing so, they help to recycle nutrients back into the environment, making them available for other organisms to use. This process is essential for the functioning of ecosystems, as it ensures that nutrients are not lost but instead are continuously cycled through the ecosystem. Photosynthesis (option A) is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, and it is not a role of decomposers. Preying on herbivores (option C) is a role typically carried out by predators, not decomposers. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere (option D) is a process carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, not decomposers.

3. What is the independent variable in the botanist's experiment?

• A. Temperature
• B. Root tissue
• C. Light exposure
• D. Root length

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In an experiment, the independent variable is the factor that is deliberately manipulated or changed by the researcher. The botanist is likely altering the temperature to observe its effect on the plants. Therefore, temperature is the independent variable in the botanist's experiment. Choice B, root tissue, is not the independent variable as it is not the factor being intentionally changed in the experiment. Choice C, light exposure, and choice D, root length, are also not the independent variables as they are not the factors being purposely manipulated by the researcher in this scenario.

4. Which statement accurately describes cytokinesis in animal cells?

• A. Which statement accurately describes cytokinesis in animal cells?
• B. A cell plate forms in the center of the dividing cell, eventually separating the cytoplasm into two daughter cells.
• C. A cell plate forms in the center of the dividing cell, eventually separating the cytoplasm into two daughter cells.
• D. The nucleus elongates and pulls apart, physically dividing the cytoplasm into two.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) This statement is a duplicate of option C and does not accurately describe cytokinesis in animal cells. B) In animal cells, during cytokinesis, a cleavage furrow forms in the center of the dividing cell. This furrow deepens and eventually pinches the cytoplasm into two daughter cells. This process is distinct from plant cells, where a cell plate forms. C) This statement is a duplicate of option A and does not accurately describe cytokinesis in animal cells. D) This statement describes the process of nuclear division (mitosis) rather than cytokinesis, which is the division of the cytoplasm.

5. Which gland, often referred to as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system and located at the base of the brain, secretes various hormones that control other glands?

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Pituitary gland
• C. Adrenal gland
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pituitary gland is correctly known as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system. It is situated at the base of the brain and plays a crucial role in secreting a variety of hormones that regulate the functions of other endocrine glands in the body. These hormones control growth, metabolism, reproduction, and various other essential bodily functions. The other choices, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, and pancreas, are incorrect as they do not serve as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system nor are located at the base of the brain like the pituitary gland.

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