1. Which of the following is NOT a function of the endocrine system?

A. Regulating growth and development
B. Maintaining blood sugar levels
C. Controlling mood and emotions
D. Facilitating digestion through muscle contractions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The endocrine system is responsible for producing hormones that regulate various bodily functions. Option D, facilitating digestion through muscle contractions, is actually a function of the muscular and digestive systems, not the endocrine system. The endocrine system primarily regulates growth and development, maintains blood sugar levels through hormones like insulin and glucagon, and also plays a role in controlling mood and emotions through hormones such as serotonin and cortisol. Therefore, option D is correct as it is not a function directly associated with the endocrine system.

2. The phrase "green alternative" suggests that bioremediation is...

A. The most economical option for plastic cleanup.
B. Faster and more efficient than traditional methods.
C. Environmentally friendly and less harmful than other solutions.
D. More aesthetically pleasing than existing approaches.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage contrasts bioremediation with "traditional methods," explicitly linking it to being environmentally friendly.

3. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating body temperature, hunger, and thirst, and is considered a key player in the endocrine system?

A. Amygdala
B. Hippocampus
C. Hypothalamus
D. Thalamus

Correct answer: c

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a small region in the brain that plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating body temperature, hunger, and thirst. It also serves as a key player in the endocrine system by controlling the release of hormones from the pituitary gland. The amygdala is responsible for processing emotions and memory, the hippocampus is involved in memory formation and retrieval, and the thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information. Therefore, the hypothalamus is the most appropriate choice for the functions described in the question.

4. How does an increase in surface area affect the force of friction between two surfaces?

A. Increases friction
B. Decreases friction
C. Has no effect on friction
D. Causes unpredictable changes in friction

Correct answer: b

Rationale: Increasing surface area reduces the force per unit area, decreasing friction.

5. Based on the passage, the author most likely believes that

A. Individual actions are insignificant in addressing climate change, and only large-scale initiatives matter.
B. Adaptation to the changing climate is impossible, and societal collapse is inevitable.
C. Transitioning to renewable energy and sustainable practices offers hope for mitigating climate change.
D. The scientific evidence for climate change is unreliable, and further research is needed before taking action.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The focus on global efforts, renewable energy, and sustainable practices suggests an optimistic outlook on mitigating climate change, aligning with C.

6. During sexual intercourse, sperm travels through a tube from the testes to the urethra. What is the name of this tube?

A. Vas deferens
B. Epididymis
C. Seminal vesicle
D. Urethra

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Vas deferens.' The vas deferens is a tube that carries sperm from the testes to the urethra during ejaculation. It is a crucial part of the male reproductive system, allowing for the transport of sperm for fertilization. The epididymis is where sperm mature and are stored, not where they travel during intercourse. The seminal vesicle is a gland that produces a significant portion of the seminal fluid. The urethra is the tube that carries both urine and semen out of the body but is not where sperm travels from the testes.