1. Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress, including the regulation of salt and water balance?

A. Aldosterone
B. Epinephrine
C. Cortisol
D. Insulin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress by regulating salt and water balance. It acts on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and water, helping to maintain blood pressure and electrolyte balance during times of stress. Epinephrine and cortisol are also stress hormones produced by the adrenal glands, but they have different functions. Epinephrine is involved in the fight-or-flight response, while cortisol helps regulate metabolism and immune function. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is involved in glucose metabolism and not directly related to the body's stress response. Therefore, aldosterone is the most appropriate hormone in this context.

2. Deuterium, a stable isotope of hydrogen, has a nucleus containing:

A. A single proton
B. A proton and a neutron
C. Two protons and an electron
D. Two neutrons

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'A proton and a neutron.' Deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen with an atomic number of 1, meaning it has 1 proton in its nucleus. However, deuterium also has a neutron in its nucleus, making it different from regular hydrogen which only has a proton in its nucleus. Therefore, deuterium has a nucleus containing both a proton and a neutron, making option B the correct choice.

3. What is the main factor limiting population growth in K-strategists?

A. Predation
B. Availability of resources
C. Competition
D. Disease

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: K-strategists are species that have a low reproductive rate and invest more resources in raising fewer offspring. These species typically inhabit stable environments where resources are limited. The main factor limiting population growth in K-strategists is the availability of resources such as food, shelter, and space. When resources are scarce, K-strategists may struggle to find enough resources to support their population size, leading to decreased reproductive success and population growth. Predation (option A), competition (option C), and disease (option D) can also impact population growth, but the primary limiting factor for K-strategists is the availability of resources.

4. Which mineral is crucial for bone strength and is stored in bones and teeth?

A. Calcium
B. Iron
C. Magnesium
D. Potassium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Calcium. Calcium is crucial for bone strength as it is a key mineral stored in bones and teeth. It plays a vital role in maintaining bone density and strength, helping to prevent conditions like osteoporosis. Without an adequate intake of calcium, individuals may be at risk of developing weak and brittle bones. Iron (B), Magnesium (C), and Potassium (D) are important minerals for various bodily functions, but they are not primarily responsible for bone strength and storage in bones and teeth.

5. What term describes the maximum displacement of particles from their rest position in a wave?

A. Frequency
B. Wavelength
C. Amplitude
D. Velocity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The term that describes the maximum displacement of particles from their rest position in a wave is called the amplitude. Amplitude is a measure of the strength or intensity of a wave and is represented by the height of the wave from the rest position to the crest (or trough) of the wave. Frequency (A) refers to the number of complete wavelengths that pass a point in a given time, wavelength (B) is the distance between two consecutive crests (or troughs) of a wave, and velocity (D) is the speed of the wave.

6. The protective fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord is called:

A. Blood
B. Cerebrospinal fluid
C. Plasma
D. Myelin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear, colorless liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and protection against physical impact. It also helps to maintain a stable environment for the central nervous system by regulating pressure and removing waste products. Blood (option A) is not the fluid that directly surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Plasma (option C) is the liquid component of blood and is not specific to the central nervous system. Myelin (option D) is a fatty substance that forms a protective sheath around nerve fibers but is not the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.