1. The innate immune system provides a non-specific first line of defense. What are some physical barriers that contribute to the innate immune system?

A. Antibodies
B. Phagocytes
C. Skin and mucous membranes
D. Memory B cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Skin and mucous membranes." The innate immune system consists of physical barriers, such as the skin and mucous membranes, that act as the first line of defense against pathogens. These barriers prevent pathogens from entering the body and play a crucial role in protecting against infections. Antibodies (option A) are part of the adaptive immune response, not the innate immune system. Phagocytes (option B) are cells that engulf and destroy pathogens, which are part of the innate immune system. Memory B cells (option D) are specific to the adaptive immune response and are not considered part of the innate immunity that provides the initial, non-specific defense.

2. 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.

3. Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of evolution?

A. Natural selection
B. Genetic drift
C. Lamarckism
D. Mutation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: A) Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to the next generation. B) Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution that occurs due to random changes in allele frequencies in a population. C) Lamarckism, also known as the inheritance of acquired characteristics, is a discredited theory that suggests organisms can pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring. This mechanism has been largely rejected by the scientific community. D) Mutation is a mechanism of evolution that introduces new genetic variation into a population, which can lead to the emergence of new traits and adaptations over time.

4. The two main divisions of the skeletal system are:

A. Upper and lower body bones
B. Axial and appendicular skeleton
C. Long and short bones
D. Compact and spongy bone

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Axial and appendicular skeleton. The skeletal system is divided into two main parts: the axial skeleton, which includes the skull, rib cage, and vertebral column, and the appendicular skeleton, which includes the bones of the arms, legs, shoulders, and hips. This division is based on the location and function of the bones in the body. The other options are incorrect as they do not represent the main divisions of the skeletal system. Understanding these divisions is important for studying the structure and function of the human skeletal system.

5. What is the term for the process of breaking a large molecule into smaller fragments by applying heat?

A. Polymerization
B. Hydrogenation
C. Isomerization
D. Pyrolysis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Pyrolysis is the process of breaking down large molecules into smaller fragments by applying heat. The other choices involve different chemical processes.

6. Which of the following properties is NOT characteristic of a covalent bond?

A. Sharing of electrons between atoms
B. High melting and boiling points
C. Low electrical conductivity in solid state
D. Directional bonding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Covalent bonds are formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms. This sharing results in the formation of molecules with directional bonding, where the atoms are held together in a specific orientation. Covalent compounds generally have low melting and boiling points compared to ionic compounds, as the intermolecular forces in covalent compounds are weaker. Additionally, covalent compounds do not conduct electricity in the solid state because the electrons are localized between the atoms and not free to move and carry charge.