1. Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis?

A. High blood pressure
B. High levels of LDL cholesterol
C. Regular physical activity
D. Smoking

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Regular physical activity is NOT a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis. In fact, engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis by improving cardiovascular health, lowering blood pressure, and reducing LDL cholesterol levels. High blood pressure, high levels of LDL cholesterol, and smoking are all known risk factors for atherosclerosis. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, narrowing the passageways and increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Smoking is harmful to blood vessels, promoting inflammation and the formation of plaque. Therefore, regular physical activity is actually a protective factor against atherosclerosis rather than a risk factor.

2. Which of the following sentences uses figurative language?

A. The scientist conducted an experiment.
B. The child ran like a cheetah.
C. The book contained many pages.
D. The teacher explained the concept clearly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: This sentence uses a simile, comparing the child's speed to a cheetah's.

3. What is the name of the sheath of connective tissue that surrounds a skeletal muscle?

A. Epimysium
B. Perimysium
C. Endomysium
D. Myofibril

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Epimysium. The epimysium is the outermost layer of connective tissue that surrounds a skeletal muscle. It provides protection and support to the muscle fibers within, as well as helps in transmitting forces generated by the muscle. Perimysium (B) is the connective tissue that surrounds bundles of muscle fibers called fascicles, while endomysium (C) is the connective tissue that surrounds individual muscle fibers. Myofibril (D) is a structure within muscle fibers that contains the contractile units responsible for muscle contraction. Therefore, in this context, the sheath of connective tissue surrounding a skeletal muscle is specifically referred to as the epimysium.

4. What is the scientific term for the windpipe, a tube that carries air from the larynx to the bronchi?

A. Pharynx
B. Trachea
C. Epiglottis
D. Bronchiole

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Trachea. The trachea is the scientific term for the windpipe, which is a tube that carries air from the larynx to the bronchi. The pharynx is the throat area where the mouth and nasal passages meet. The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway. Bronchioles are smaller airway branches in the lungs. Therefore, the trachea best fits the description of a tube carrying air from the larynx to the bronchi.

5. Which of the following is a functional group commonly found in alcohols?

A. Carbonyl
B. Hydroxyl
C. Amine
D. Ester

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The hydroxyl functional group (OH) is commonly found in alcohols. The other choices are associated with different functional groups.

6. 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: 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.