Nursing Elites

1. After the Industrial Revolution, the population of peppered moths in England shifted towards more dark moths. This is an example of:

• A. Artificial selection (selective breeding by humans for desired traits)
• B. Natural selection acting on pre-existing variation
• C. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
• D. Lamarckism (inheritance of acquired characteristics)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The shift in the peppered moth population towards more dark moths in England after the Industrial Revolution exemplifies natural selection acting on pre-existing variation. Initially, light-colored moths were well-camouflaged against lichen-covered tree trunks, but with industrial pollution darkening the tree trunks, dark-colored moths gained a survival advantage. This change reflects how the environment favored dark moths over light ones, illustrating natural selection. The process illustrates how organisms with traits advantageous in a changing environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the prevalence of those traits in the population over time. The choices of artificial selection (A), punctuated equilibrium (C), and Lamarckism (D) are not applicable in this scenario. Artificial selection involves intentional breeding by humans, punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by periods of stability, and Lamarckism suggests the inheritance of acquired characteristics, none of which align with the observed shift in moth populations based on environmental changes.

2. Which of the following statements best defines an organelle?

• A. Layer of polysaccharides outside the plasma membrane of cells.
• B. Abnormal infectious proteins.
• C. Specialized structures within a cell.
• D. Collection of tissues used to serve a specific function.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Specialized structures within a cell.' An organelle is a specialized subunit within a cell that has a specific function. Organelles are membrane-bound structures found within the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, each performing distinct roles that contribute to the overall functioning of the cell. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Option A describes the glycocalyx, which is a layer of polysaccharides outside the plasma membrane of cells. Option B refers to prions, abnormal infectious proteins. Option D defines an organ, a collection of tissues used to serve a specific function, rather than an organelle within a cell.

3. Identify the INCORRECT function of the liver.

• A. Bile production to aid digestion.
• B. Synthesis of blood proteins, such as albumin.
• C. Storage of glucose for energy regulation.
• D. Filtration of waste products from the blood.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Correct - The liver produces bile, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. B) Correct - The liver is responsible for synthesizing blood proteins, including albumin, which helps maintain osmotic pressure in the blood. C) Correct - The liver stores glucose in the form of glycogen and helps regulate blood sugar levels by releasing glucose when needed. D) Incorrect - The liver does not filter waste products from the blood. Instead, the kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and excreting them in the form of urine.

4. Which of the following is an example of a chemical property of matter?

• A. Boiling point
• B. Flammability
• C. Density
• D. Conductivity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Flammability is an example of a chemical property of matter because it describes how a substance reacts with oxygen in the air to produce heat and light. Chemical properties involve the ability of a substance to undergo a chemical change or reaction, such as burning. Boiling point, density, and conductivity are examples of physical properties, not chemical properties. Boiling point is the temperature at which a substance changes from a liquid to a gas, density is the mass of a substance per unit volume, and conductivity is the ability to conduct electricity. Therefore, flammability best exemplifies a chemical property as it pertains to the substance's reaction with oxygen, while the other options are physical properties that describe characteristics without changing the substance's chemical composition.

5. What is the definition of the word 'fry' as it appears in the passage?

• A. Fry eggs that have been fertilized.
• B. Young fish capable of feeding themselves.
• C. A place where larvae are kept safe from predators.
• D. Fish prepared to be fried in oil.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Young fish capable of feeding themselves.' In the provided extract, 'fry' refers to the young fish that are hatched out and are old enough to take charge of themselves. Choice A is incorrect as it refers to a different context of 'fry.' Choice C is incorrect as it describes a location rather than the meaning of 'fry.' Choice D is also incorrect as it provides a definition of 'fry' related to cooking, which is not the intended meaning in the passage.

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