Nursing Elites

1. The fossil record shows that dinosaurs with feathers existed millions of years before birds. This is evidence for

• A. Convergent evolution (unrelated organisms evolving similar traits)
• B. Divergent evolution (related organisms evolving different traits)
• C. Coevolution (two species influencing each other's evolution)
• D. The extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid impact

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: The fossil record indicating that dinosaurs had feathers before birds suggests convergent evolution. Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits to adapt to similar environmental pressures. In this case, both dinosaurs and birds developed feathers for flight or insulation purposes, even though they are not closely related. This evidence supports the concept of convergent evolution rather than divergent evolution, coevolution, or the extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid impact.

2. Which phrase best describes the tone of the following sentence: "He slammed his fist on the table, his voice booming with anger."

• A. Playful
• B. Formal
• C. Agitated
• D. Melancholy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The verbs and descriptive language convey strong emotions and agitation.

3. The resolution of an optical instrument, like a microscope, refers to its ability to distinguish between:

• A. Different colors of light
• B. The presence or absence of light
• C. Variations in intensity
• D. Very close, nearly identical objects

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The resolution of an optical instrument, such as a microscope, is its ability to distinguish between very close, nearly identical objects. This means that the instrument can differentiate between two points that are close together and appear almost as one. A higher resolution allows for clearer and sharper images by minimizing the blurring effect that occurs when objects are close together. Options A, B, and C do not directly relate to the concept of resolution in optical instruments. Therefore, option D is the correct answer as it best describes what resolution entails in this context.

4. Identify the noun clause in the sentence: "My biggest fear is that I wouldn't live life to the fullest."

• A. "My biggest fear"
• B. "that I wouldn't live life to the fullest"
• C. "life"
• D. "the fullest"

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Option B functions as the object of the verb "is," making it a noun clause.

5. Molecular clocks utilize the accumulation of mutations in DNA sequences to estimate the evolutionary divergence time between species. This method relies on the assumption that:

• A. The rate of mutation is constant across all genes and all species.
• B. Species with more morphological similarities diverged more recently.
• C. Mutations are always beneficial and contribute to increased fitness.
• D. The fossil record provides the most accurate estimates of evolutionary relationships.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: A molecular clock is a method used to estimate the time of divergence between species by measuring the accumulation of mutations in DNA sequences. This method relies on the assumption that mutations occur at a relatively constant rate over time. If the rate of mutation were not constant, it would be challenging to accurately estimate the evolutionary divergence time between species. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate choice as it aligns with the fundamental principle underlying the molecular clock hypothesis. Option B is incorrect because the assumption that species with more morphological similarities diverged more recently does not directly relate to the concept of molecular clocks and the accumulation of mutations in DNA sequences. Option C is incorrect because mutations are not always beneficial and do not always contribute to increased fitness. Mutations can be neutral or deleterious as well, and their accumulation is what is used to estimate evolutionary di

6. Which word best completes the sentence: "The scientist conducted the experiment with _____ precision."

• A. extreme
• B. great
• C. utter
• D. remarkable

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C emphasizes the absolute and complete accuracy of the experiment.

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