1. Dietary fiber, although not fully digested by the body, plays a crucial role in digestion. What is one of the main benefits of consuming sufficient dietary fiber?

A. Provides a concentrated source of energy
B. Aids in the absorption of vitamins and minerals
C. Promotes satiety and gut health
D. Breaks down complex carbohydrates

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Consuming sufficient dietary fiber promotes satiety and gut health. Fiber adds bulk to the diet, which helps you feel full and satisfied after meals, reducing overeating. Additionally, fiber helps regulate bowel movements by promoting healthy digestion and preventing constipation. It also feeds beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a healthy gut microbiome. While fiber does not provide energy like carbohydrates, it is essential for overall digestive health and can help prevent various chronic diseases.

2. What is the term for the phenomenon when two waves combine to form a new wave?

A. Diffraction
B. Interference
C. Refraction
D. Dispersion

Correct answer: b

Rationale: Interference occurs when two waves meet and their amplitudes combine, resulting in a new wave.

3. The process by which a solid changes directly into a liquid is called:

A. Melting
B. Condensation
C. Sublimation
D. Deposition

Correct answer: D

Rationale: While melting is a solid to liquid transition, deposition, also known as sublimation, refers to a gas directly changing into a solid.

4. Hair follicles are openings in the skin that house

A. Blood vessels (Blood vessels are not housed in hair follicles)
B. Nerve endings (Nerve endings are present but not housed within)
C. Hair shafts and hair roots
D. Sebaceous glands (These glands are often attached to hair follicles)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hair follicles are structures in the skin that house both the hair shaft and the hair root. The hair shaft is the visible part of the hair that extends from the skin's surface, while the hair root is the part embedded within the hair follicle and extends into the deeper layers of the skin. The sebaceous glands, which produce sebum (an oily substance), are typically attached to hair follicles and help lubricate and protect the hair and skin. Blood vessels and nerve endings are present in the skin but are not housed within the hair follicles themselves. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as hair follicles contain both the hair shaft and hair root.

5. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland. What is its primary function?

A. Regulate blood pressure
B. Stimulate the digestive system
C. Control sleep-wake cycles
D. Maintain bone density

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Control sleep-wake cycles.' Melatonin is a hormone that plays a key role in regulating the body's sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm. The pineal gland releases melatonin in response to darkness, helping to signal to the body that it is time to sleep. By influencing the timing and quality of sleep, melatonin helps maintain a healthy sleep pattern and overall well-being. While blood pressure, digestive system stimulation, and bone density are important functions in the body, melatonin's primary function is to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

6. Which statement best summarizes the main argument of the passage?

A. Smart cities are a revolutionary solution to all urban challenges.
B. Technology alone can fix modern cities' problems.
C. Smart cities offer potential but require careful consideration of data privacy and ethical implications.
D. Traditional city planning methods are superior to implementing smart technology.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage acknowledges both the potential and concerns surrounding smart cities, making it the most accurate summary.