1. he adrenal cortex produces a group of steroid hormones called corticosteroids. What is a MAJOR function of corticosteroids?

A. Regulate insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels
B. Control blood pressure and electrolyte balance
C. Stimulate the immune system and inflammatory response
D. Promote growth and development during puberty

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Control blood pressure and electrolyte balance.' Corticosteroids, produced by the adrenal cortex, play a major role in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance in the body. These hormones, such as aldosterone, act on the kidneys to control the reabsorption of sodium and water, which in turn affects blood pressure and electrolyte levels. While corticosteroids can have effects on other physiological processes, their primary function is to regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance, making option B the most appropriate choice in this context.

2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of living organisms?

A. Made up of cells
B. Able to reproduce
C. Require energy
D. Non-motile

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: A) Made up of cells: All living organisms are composed of one or more cells. This is a fundamental characteristic of life as defined by cell theory. B) Able to reproduce: One of the key characteristics of living organisms is their ability to reproduce and pass on genetic information to offspring. C) Require energy: Living organisms require energy to carry out various life processes such as growth, reproduction, and maintenance of homeostasis. This energy is obtained through processes like metabolism. D) Non-motile: While some living organisms may be non-motile (unable to move on their own), movement is a common characteristic of many living organisms. Motility allows organisms to respond to their environment, find food, escape predators, and carry out other essential activities.

3. Which type of wave does not require a medium for propagation?

A. Transverse wave
B. Longitudinal wave
C. Mechanical wave
D. Electromagnetic wave

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Electromagnetic waves, like light and radio waves, can travel through a vacuum, unlike mechanical waves (sound, water waves) that require a medium to vibrate and transmit energy.

4. What term describes the phenomenon of two waves canceling each other out when they meet?

A. Refraction
B. Diffraction
C. Destructive interference
D. Constructive interference

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Destructive interference occurs when two waves meet and their amplitudes are such that they cancel each other out, resulting in a wave with a smaller amplitude or no wave at all. This is in contrast to constructive interference, where two waves combine to produce a wave with a larger amplitude. Refraction and diffraction are phenomena related to the bending of waves as they pass through different mediums or obstacles, respectively.

5. What is the relationship between work and the displacement of an object?

A. Work depends only on the force applied, not displacement
B. Work is directly proportional to displacement
C. Work is inversely proportional to displacement
D. Work is unrelated to displacement

Correct answer:

Rationale: Work done is directly proportional to the displacement of an object in the direction of the force applied.

6. Percent (%) is a way to express a fraction with a denominator of 100. 125% can be expressed as a fraction in lowest terms. Which of the following represents 125% as a fraction?

A. 5/4
B. 1/8
C. 5/2
D. 25/2

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Percent literally means "out of one hundred." So, 125% is equivalent to 125/100. We can simplify this fraction by dividing the numerator and denominator by 25, resulting in 5/2.