TEAS 7 Biology: Master Key Concepts

ATI TEAS 7

Biology

1. The phrase "survival of the fittest" refers to:

A. Organisms with the most complex anatomical structures are more likely to survive and reproduce.
B. Organisms that demonstrate the best adaptations to their environment have a higher chance of survival and reproduction.
C. All organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success regardless of their traits.
D. Only the strongest and most aggressive individuals within a population will survive and reproduce.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: The phrase "survival of the fittest" is often associated with the concept of natural selection, which was proposed by Charles Darwin. Natural selection is the process by which organisms that are best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to the next generation. This process does not necessarily favor the most complex anatomical structures (option A) or the strongest and most aggressive individuals (option D). Instead, it emphasizes the importance of adaptations that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. Option C is incorrect because natural selection results in differential reproductive success based on an organism's traits, meaning that not all organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success.

2. When referring to blood vessel walls, the term "atherosclerosis" describes:

A. The normal process of blood vessel wall thickening with age.
B. The inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels.
C. The dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall (aneurysm).
D. The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls. This plaque is made up of substances like cholesterol, calcium, and fatty compounds. Over time, this plaque can harden and narrow the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow and potential complications like heart attacks and strokes. Options A, B, and C do not accurately describe atherosclerosis. Option A is incorrect because atherosclerosis is not a normal aging process but rather a disease. Option B is incorrect because atherosclerosis involves the buildup of plaque rather than inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels. Option C is incorrect because an aneurysm is a different condition involving the dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall, not the buildup of plaque seen in atherosclerosis.

3. When a blockage forms in a coronary artery, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle, this condition is called:

A. Atherosclerosis
B. Myocardial infarction
C. Angina pectoris
D. Heart murmur

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Angina pectoris." Angina pectoris is the condition that occurs when there is a blockage in a coronary artery, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. This decreased blood flow can cause chest pain or discomfort, typically during physical exertion or stress. Atherosclerosis (option A) is the buildup of plaque in the artery walls, which can lead to blockages. Myocardial infarction (option B) refers to a heart attack, which occurs when there is a complete blockage in a coronary artery resulting in damage to the heart muscle. A heart murmur (option D) is an abnormal sound heard during the heartbeat, not directly related to a blockage in a coronary artery. Therefore, the correct term for a blockage in a coronary artery that reduces blood flow to the heart muscle is angina pectoris.

4. The element responsible for the red color of blood is:

A. Magnesium
B. Iron
C. Copper
D. Zinc

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells, contains iron in its heme group, contributing to the blood's characteristic red color.

5. What type of inheritance pattern results in a 3:1 ratio of dominant to recessive phenotypes in the F2 generation?

A. Incomplete dominance
B. Codominance
C. Sex-linked inheritance
D. Autosomal dominant inheritance

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: A) Incomplete dominance: In incomplete dominance, the heterozygous phenotype is a blend of the two homozygous phenotypes. This does not result in a 3:1 ratio of dominant to recessive phenotypes in the F2 generation. B) Codominance: In codominance, both alleles are fully expressed in the heterozygous phenotype. This also does not result in a 3:1 ratio of dominant to recessive phenotypes in the F2 generation. C) Sex-linked inheritance: Sex-linked inheritance involves genes located on the sex chromosomes and does not typically result in a 3:1 ratio of dominant to recessive phenotypes in the F2 generation. D) Autosomal dominant inheritance: In autosomal dominant inheritance, a single copy of the dominant allele is sufficient to express the dominant phenotype. When a heterozygous individual (Aa) is crossed with another