1. The microscopic units responsible for muscle contraction are called

A. Neurons
B. Myofibrils
C. Tendons
D. Sarcomeres

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Sarcomeres. Sarcomeres are the fundamental contractile units of skeletal muscle. They are composed of overlapping actin and myosin filaments that slide past each other during muscle contraction, resulting in muscle shortening. Neurons (A) are nerve cells that transmit signals to and from the brain. Myofibrils (B) are thread-like structures within muscle fibers that contain sarcomeres. Tendons (C) are fibrous connective tissues that attach muscles to bones, but they are not directly involved in muscle contraction like sarcomeres are.

2. Peppered moths in England came in two color variations – light and dark. After the Industrial Revolution, the population shifted towards more dark moths. This is an example of:

A. Artificial selection (humans breeding for desired traits)
B. Natural selection acting on pre-existing variation
C. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
D. Lamarckism (inheritance of acquired characteristics)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: The phenomenon of peppered moths in England shifting towards more dark moths after the Industrial Revolution is a classic example of natural selection acting on pre-existing variation. Before the Industrial Revolution, light-colored moths were better camouflaged against lichen-covered tree trunks, which were common in the environment. However, with the increase in industrial pollution, the tree trunks became darker due to soot, making dark-colored moths better camouflaged and less likely to be eaten by predators. As a result, the population shifted towards more dark moths over time. This change in the moth population was driven by the selective pressure of predation, demonstrating the process of natural selection favoring individuals with traits that provide a survival advantage in a changing environment.

3. Which of the following is an example of a chemical change?

A. Dissolving sugar in water
B. Boiling water
C. Rusting iron
D. Crushing ice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rusting is a chemical reaction where iron reacts with oxygen and water to form iron oxide (rust).

4. What type of clause is "as the sun dipped below the horizon" in the sentence "We sat on the beach, as the sun dipped below the horizon"?

A. Independent clause
B. Subordinate clause
C. Appositive clause
D. Noun clause

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The clause "as the sun dipped below the horizon" provides additional information about the main clause "We sat on the beach," making it a subordinate clause.

5. Sweat glands help regulate body temperature by:

A. Producing sebum for lubrication
B. Constricting blood vessels in the skin (sweating doesn't cause constriction)
C. Releasing a watery fluid that evaporates for cooling
D. Thickening the epidermis for insulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Sweat glands help regulate body temperature by releasing a watery fluid that evaporates for cooling. When the body temperature rises, sweat glands produce sweat, which is mostly composed of water and salts. As this sweat evaporates from the skin's surface, it absorbs heat energy from the body, thus cooling it down. This process is essential for maintaining a stable body temperature during physical exertion or exposure to heat. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as sebum produced by sebaceous glands lubricates the skin, blood vessels dilate rather than constrict during sweating to release heat, and the epidermis does not thicken for insulation related to sweat glands.

6. Which property of a substance measures the amount of matter per unit volume?

A. Density
B. Mass
C. Weight
D. Volume

Correct answer: a

Rationale: Density is the property that measures the amount of matter (mass) per unit volume of a substance. It is calculated as mass divided by volume.