Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is NOT a mechanism that can directly cause evolution by natural selection?

• A. Mutations in genes
• B. Differential survival and reproduction based on traits
• C. Inheritance of acquired characteristics (like strong muscles from working out)
• D. Competition for resources in an environment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: A) Mutations in genes can introduce new genetic variations into a population, which can be acted upon by natural selection. B) Differential survival and reproduction based on traits is a key component of natural selection, as individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation. C) Inheritance of acquired characteristics, also known as Lamarckism, is not a mechanism of evolution by natural selection. Traits acquired during an individual's lifetime (such as strong muscles from working out) are not passed on to offspring. D) Competition for resources in an environment can drive natural selection by favoring individuals with traits that help them better compete for limited resources. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Inheritance of acquired characteristics (like strong muscles from working out), as it is not a mechanism that can directly cause evolution by natural selection.

2. If you compare a 1 M solution of NaCl to a 1 M solution of glucose (C6H12O6) in water, which solution would have the higher boiling point?

• A. The NaCl solution
• B. The glucose solution
• C. They would have the same boiling point
• D. It depends on the temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. When a solute is added to a solvent, it raises the boiling point of the solution due to the phenomenon of boiling point elevation. In this case, NaCl is an ionic compound that dissociates into Na+ and Cl- ions in water, leading to more particles in solution compared to glucose, which remains as individual molecules. Since NaCl forms more particles, it causes a greater boiling point elevation, resulting in the NaCl solution having the higher boiling point. Glucose, being a non-electrolyte, does not dissociate and therefore does not contribute as many particles to the solution as NaCl does. Therefore, the NaCl solution would have the higher boiling point.

3. A scientist observes a new species of bird with uniquely shaped wings. They hypothesize that the wing shape allows for superior gliding ability. Which observation would most strongly support this hypothesis?

• A. The bird is found in mountainous regions.
• B. The bird has feathers with low friction.
• C. The bird can fly long distances without flapping.
• D. The bird's wing muscles are stronger than other birds.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Direct observation of gliding ability directly tests the hypothesis about the wing shape's function. Other observations might be relevant but provide less direct evidence.

4. Which of the following statements about prions is TRUE?

• A. They are composed of proteins only
• B. They are easily destroyed by common disinfectants
• C. hey are a type of antibiotic
• D. They are a live organism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: A) This statement is true. Prions are infectious agents composed entirely of protein, lacking nucleic acids such as DNA or RNA. They are known for causing neurodegenerative diseases in animals and humans. B) This statement is false. Prions are not easily destroyed by common disinfectants due to their unique structure and resistance to conventional sterilization methods. C) This statement is false. Prions are not a type of antibiotic. They are a distinct class of infectious agents. D) This statement is false. Prions are not live organisms but rather misfolded proteins that can induce abnormal folding in normal proteins, leading to disease.

5. What is the main function of the epiglottis, a small flap of cartilage located above the larynx?

• A. To warm and humidify inhaled air
• B. To control the passage of food and air
• C. To produce sound vibrations for speech
• D. To sense the presence of foreign objects

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To control the passage of food and air.' The epiglottis is a crucial structure that prevents food and liquids from entering the airway during swallowing. It acts as a lid over the trachea, ensuring that food goes down the esophagus while air passes into the respiratory system. This function is essential for preventing choking and ensuring proper breathing. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as the epiglottis is not primarily responsible for warming and humidifying inhaled air, producing sound vibrations for speech, or sensing foreign objects.

6. What is the relationship between the Pauli exclusion principle and the structure of the atom?

• A. It defines the maximum number of electrons allowed in each energy level.
• B. It explains why oppositely charged particles attract each other.
• C. It describes the wave-particle duality of electrons.
• D. It determines the arrangement of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: It defines the maximum number of electrons allowed in each energy level. The Pauli exclusion principle states that no two electrons in an atom can occupy the same quantum state, which explains the specific sequence and structure of electron shells within the atom.

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