1. What skin condition is characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed patches?

A. Eczema
B. Psoriasis
C. Melanoma
D. Keloid

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Eczema. Eczema is a common skin condition that is characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed patches on the skin. It is often triggered by environmental factors or allergies and can vary in severity. Psoriasis (option B) is also a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin, but it is typically thicker and more silver or white in color compared to eczema. Melanoma (option C) is a type of skin cancer that usually presents as a new mole or a changing mole on the skin, rather than red, itchy patches. Keloid (option D) is a raised scar that can result from an overgrowth of scar tissue. Therefore, the most appropriate answer to this question is A: Eczema, based on the description of red, itchy, and inflamed patches.

2. A convex lens is characterized by its ability to:

A. Converge light rays
B. Diverge light rays
C. Focus sound waves
D. Create virtual images only

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Converge light rays.' A convex lens is thicker in the center and thinner at the edges, causing light rays passing through it to converge or come together at a focal point. This ability is what enables convex lenses to bend light rays inward, focusing them to produce clear images. Options B and C are incorrect because convex lenses do not diverge light rays or focus sound waves. Option D is also incorrect as convex lenses can create both real and virtual images based on the position of the object with respect to the lens. Therefore, the main characteristic of a convex lens is its ability to converge light rays to form focused images.

3. Which of the following is an example of a zoonotic disease?

A. The common cold
B. Influenza (the flu)
C. Malaria
D. HIV/AIDS

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: A zoonotic disease is a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Influenza is an example of a zoonotic disease as it can be transmitted from animals such as birds and pigs to humans. The common cold (option A) is caused by human rhinoviruses and is not considered a zoonotic disease. Malaria (option C) is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes and is not considered a zoonotic disease. HIV/AIDS (option D) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus and is not considered a zoonotic disease.

4. Discern the INCORRECT function of the liver.

A. Bile production, aiding digestion.
B. Blood protein synthesis, such as albumin.
C. Glucose storage for energy regulation.
D. Filtration of waste products from the blood.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: A) Correct - The liver produces bile, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. B) Correct - The liver is responsible for synthesizing blood proteins, including albumin, which helps maintain osmotic pressure in the blood. C) Correct - The liver stores glucose in the form of glycogen and helps regulate blood sugar levels by releasing glucose when needed. D) Incorrect - The liver does not filter waste products from the blood. Instead, the kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and excreting them in the form of urine.

5. Which of the following is NOT a source of genetic variation in a population?

A. Mutations in genes
B. Genetic drift (random fluctuations in allele frequencies)
C. Gene flow (movement of genes between populations)
D. Blending inheritance (traits of parents are averaged in offspring)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: A) Mutations in genes: Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can introduce new alleles into a population, leading to genetic variation. B) Genetic drift (random fluctuations in allele frequencies): Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population, which can lead to genetic variation through chance events. C) Gene flow (movement of genes between populations): Gene flow occurs when individuals move between populations, bringing new alleles with them and increasing genetic variation within populations. D) Blending inheritance (traits of parents are averaged in offspring): Blending inheritance was a historical theory that suggested offspring inherit a blend of traits from their parents, leading to a reduction in genetic variation over time. However, this concept has been disproven by the understanding of Mendelian genetics, where traits are inherited independently and do not blend together. Therefore, blending inheritance does not contribute