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 is NOT a major component of a healthy blood pressure reading?

A. Systolic pressure (peak pressure during ventricular contraction).
B. Diastolic pressure (pressure within arteries during ventricular relaxation).
C. Pulse pressure (difference between systolic and diastolic pressure).
D. Blood oxygen saturation While blood oxygen levels are crucial for overall health, they are not directly reflected in a blood pressure reading.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Systolic pressure is a major component of a healthy blood pressure reading as it represents the peak pressure in the arteries during ventricular contraction. Diastolic pressure, representing the pressure in the arteries during ventricular relaxation, is also a key component. Pulse pressure, the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure, provides additional information about the cardiovascular system. Blood oxygen saturation, while important for overall health, is not directly measured in a blood pressure reading. Therefore, it is not a major component of a healthy blood pressure reading.

3. The study of fungi is known as:

A. Virology
B. Mycology
C. Bacteriology
D. Parasitology

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: A) Virology is the study of viruses, not fungi. B) Mycology is the branch of biology that deals with the study of fungi. Fungi are a separate kingdom of organisms that include yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. C) Bacteriology is the study of bacteria, not fungi. D) Parasitology is the study of parasites, which can include various organisms such as protozoa, helminths, and some fungi, but it is not specifically focused on fungi.

4. 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 is a chemical reaction where iron reacts with oxygen and water to form iron oxide (rust).

5. Bradycardia refers to a heart rate that is:

A. Normal (60-100 bpm)
B. Slightly elevated (100-120 bpm)
C. Significantly elevated (>120 bpm)
D. Abnormally slow (<60 bpm)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Bradycardia refers to an abnormally slow heart rate, typically defined as being less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). A heart rate of 60-100 bpm is considered normal, not bradycardia. Choices B and C incorrectly describe elevated heart rates, which are not characteristic of bradycardia. Therefore, option D is the most accurate description of bradycardia as it signifies a heart rate that is slower than normal.

6. Your hypothesis predicts that exposing plants to classical music will enhance their growth. How could you design an experiment to test this hypothesis?

A. Play classical music to all plants in the greenhouse and compare their growth to a control group without music.
B. Select plants with personal preferences for classical music and compare their growth to plants who dislike it.
C. Play different genres of music to separate plants and analyze which genre promotes the most growth.
D. Observe the behavior of plants listening to music and measure their happiness levels.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To test the hypothesis that exposing plants to classical music enhances their growth, the most appropriate experimental design would be to play classical music to all plants in the greenhouse (experimental group) and compare their growth to a control group of plants that are not exposed to any music. This design allows for a direct comparison between the effects of classical music exposure on plant growth, eliminating confounding variables that may arise from individual plant preferences or different music genres.