1. Pseudostratified columnar epithelium

A. Skeletal muscle
B. Bony skeleton
C. External ears
D. Bloodstream

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: External ears. Pseudostratified columnar epithelium is a type of epithelial tissue found in the respiratory tract, where it appears to be stratified but all cells are anchored to the basement membrane. The external ears are lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium to help protect and support the structures of the ear canal. Skeletal muscle (A) is a type of muscle tissue, bony skeleton (B) refers to bones, and bloodstream (D) is a system for blood circulation, which are not related to pseudostratified columnar epithelium.

2. What scientific term encompasses a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence?

A. Trait
B. Mutation
C. Allele
D. Variation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: A) Trait: A trait is a characteristic or feature of an organism that is determined by its genes. B) Mutation: A mutation is a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that can result from errors during DNA replication, exposure to mutagens, or other factors. C) Allele: An allele is a variant form of a gene that can result in different traits or characteristics. D) Variation: Variation refers to the differences in traits or characteristics among individuals of the same species, which can be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. In this context, the term that specifically refers to a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence is "mutation."

3. In the sentence "The house was dilapidated," what effect does the word "dilapidated" have on the reader's understanding?

A. Creates a sense of mystery.
B. Emphasizes the large size of the house.
C. Suggests the house is in poor condition.
D. Implies the house is haunted.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The word "dilapidated" specifically describes the house's deteriorating state.

4. What is the process by which muscle tissue wastes away due to disuse or lack of nutrients?

A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy
C. Fibrosis
D. Rigor mortis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Atrophy. Atrophy is the process by which muscle tissue wastes away due to disuse or lack of nutrients. When muscles are not regularly used or do not receive enough nutrients, they can decrease in size and strength. Hypertrophy, on the other hand, refers to the increase in muscle size and strength through exercise and proper nutrition. Fibrosis is the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue, leading to scarring. Rigor mortis is a temporary stiffening of muscles that occurs after death. Therefore, in this context, atrophy best describes the wasting away of muscle tissue due to disuse or lack of nutrients.

5. What is the periodic table?

A. A table of elements that are arranged in order of increasing atomic number.
B. A table of elements that are arranged in order of increasing atomic mass.
C. A table of elements that are arranged in order of their reactivity.
D. A table of elements that are arranged in order of their color.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of the chemical elements, organized on the basis of their atomic number, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties. Elements are arranged in rows (periods) and columns (groups) with similar properties. The elements are listed in order of increasing atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. This arrangement reveals a periodic repetition of chemical properties, which is the basis of the periodic law.

6. Decomposers in an ecosystem play a vital role by:

A. Photosynthesizing and producing organic matter
B. Breaking down dead organisms and returning nutrients to the environment
C. Preying on herbivores and controlling their populations
D. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and making it available to plants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances. By doing so, they help to recycle nutrients back into the environment, making them available for other organisms to use. This process is essential for the functioning of ecosystems, as it ensures that nutrients are not lost but instead are continuously cycled through the ecosystem. Photosynthesis (option A) is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, and it is not a role of decomposers. Preying on herbivores (option C) is a role typically carried out by predators, not decomposers. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere (option D) is a process carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, not decomposers.