1. The fluid-filled sacs that cushion the brain within the skull are called:

A. Meninges
B. Cerebrospinal fluid
C. Dura mater
D. Arachnoid mater

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear, colorless fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, acting as a cushion to protect the central nervous system from injury. Meninges (Option A) are the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, while the dura mater (Option C) and arachnoid mater (Option D) are specific layers of the meninges. However, cerebrospinal fluid is the fluid-filled sac that directly cushions the brain within the skull, making it the most appropriate answer for this question.

2. Which of the following is a characteristic of unsaturated fatty acids?

A. They are solid at room temperature.
B. They contain only single bonds.
C. They have a higher melting point.
D. They contain double or triple bonds.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Unsaturated fatty acids contain double or triple bonds in their hydrocarbon chains. The other choices do not accurately describe unsaturated fatty acids.

3. The major site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system is the:

A. Mouth
B. Stomach
C. Small intestine
D. Large intestine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Small intestine. The small intestine is the major site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It is where most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food takes place. The small intestine has villi and microvilli that increase its surface area, allowing for efficient absorption of nutrients like sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids into the bloodstream. The mouth is primarily responsible for mechanical digestion through chewing, while the stomach's main function is to break down food with enzymes and acids. The large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes, with minimal nutrient absorption.

4. Which type of muscle is characterized by involuntary contractions, is striated, and is primarily found in the heart?

A. Skeletal muscle
B. Smooth muscle
C. Cardiac muscle
D. Elastic muscle

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle is characterized by involuntary contractions, meaning it contracts without conscious control. It is striated, which refers to the striped appearance of muscle fibers under a microscope. Cardiac muscle is primarily found in the heart, where it plays a crucial role in pumping blood throughout the body. Skeletal muscle (option A) is also striated but is under voluntary control. Smooth muscle (option B) is non-striated and found in organs like the intestines. Elastic muscle (option D) is not a recognized type of muscle tissue.

5. A study finds a correlation between increased ice cream consumption and lower crime rates. What is the MOST likely explanation for this observation?

A. Ice cream directly reduces criminal behavior.
B. People who commit crimes eat less ice cream.
C. A third factor, like hot weather, influences both.
D. The study design is flawed and the connection is false.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most likely explanation for the correlation between increased ice cream consumption and lower crime rates is a third factor influencing both variables. In this case, hot weather could be the common factor as both ice cream consumption and crime rates tend to increase during warmer months. This scenario illustrates the importance of considering confounding variables when interpreting correlations.

6. Ms. Castro learns that some leaders are transactional leaders. Which of the following does

A. Focuses on management tasks
B. Is a caretaker
C. Uses trade-offs to meet goals
D. Inspires others with vision

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Uses trade-offs to meet goals.' Transactional leaders focus on the exchange or transaction that occurs between them and their followers. They set clear expectations and goals for their followers and use rewards and punishments to motivate them. This approach involves making trade-offs to achieve desired outcomes, such as rewarding employees for meeting targets or penalizing them for not meeting expectations. Options A and B do not directly relate to transactional leadership, as it is more about goal achievement and motivation through rewards and punishments. Option D describes a transformational leader, who inspires and motivates others through a shared vision and values, which is different from the transactional leadership style described in the question.