1. What is the function of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart?

A. o generate electrical impulses for heart contraction
B. To transport blood throughout the body
C. To provide lubrication for heart movement
D. To protect the heart and anchor it in place

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, serves primarily to protect the heart and anchor it in place. It acts as a protective barrier against external infections or damage and helps to maintain the heart's position within the chest cavity. Additionally, the pericardium also provides some degree of shock absorption to minimize physical trauma to the heart. While the heart's electrical impulses for contraction originate from within the heart itself and are not generated by the pericardium, it does not play a role in directly generating these impulses. Therefore, option D, 'To protect the heart and anchor it in place,' is the correct function of the pericardium.

2. What is the scientific term for a muscle that helps another muscle perform its action?

A. Agonist
B. Antagonist
C. Synergist
D. Fixator

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Synergist. A synergist muscle is a muscle that assists the prime mover (agonist) in performing its action by stabilizing joints or contributing extra force to the movement. Antagonist muscles oppose the action of the prime mover, while fixator muscles stabilize the origin of the prime mover to allow efficient movement. Understanding the roles of these muscles is essential in comprehending how various muscle groups work together to produce coordinated movements.

3. What is the law that states energy can neither be created nor destroyed?

A. Law of Conservation of Matter
B. Law of Conservation of Energy
C. Law of Universal Gravitation
D. Law of Inertia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Law of Conservation of Energy. This law applies to both chemical and physical processes, including chemical reactions.

4. Choose the correct pronoun to complete the sentence: "Neither Michael nor Sarah ____ their homework finished yet."

A. has
B. have
C. are having
D. does have

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When referring to "neither" followed by two subjects, the verb agrees with the plural subject ("Sarah"). So, "have" is the correct answer.

5. The fossil record shows that dinosaurs with feathers existed millions of years before birds. This is evidence for

A. Convergent evolution (unrelated organisms evolving similar traits)
B. Divergent evolution (related organisms evolving different traits)
C. Coevolution (two species influencing each other's evolution)
D. The extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid impact

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: The fossil record indicating that dinosaurs had feathers before birds suggests convergent evolution. Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits to adapt to similar environmental pressures. In this case, both dinosaurs and birds developed feathers for flight or insulation purposes, even though they are not closely related. This evidence supports the concept of convergent evolution rather than divergent evolution, coevolution, or the extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid impact.

6. How do isotopes affect the atomic mass of an element?

A. Isotopes have no effect on the atomic mass of an element.
B. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly.
C. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to be exactly the same for all isotopes of that element.
D. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary greatly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The atomic mass of an element is the average mass of all the isotopes of that element. Since isotopes have different numbers of neutrons, they also have slightly different masses. This variation in mass is what causes the atomic mass of an element to be a decimal number, rather than a whole number.