1. A study finds a specific gene linked to increased risk of heart disease. Does this mean everyone with that gene will develop heart disease?

A. Yes, the gene deterministically causes heart disease.
B. No, other factors also influence heart disease risk.
C. We need more research to clarify the gene's exact role.
D. Only people with a family history of heart disease need to worry.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The presence of a specific gene linked to an increased risk of heart disease does not guarantee that everyone with that gene will develop the condition. Other factors such as lifestyle, environment, and overall health also play a significant role in determining an individual's risk of heart disease. Therefore, it is essential to consider these additional factors rather than solely attributing the risk to the gene itself.

2. A person is pushing a box across the floor. Which of the following forces is NOT doing work?

A. The person's pushing force
B. The normal force from the floor
C. The gravitational force on the box
D. The frictional force between the box and the floor

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Work is defined as the force applied in the direction of motion multiplied by the distance moved. Since the normal force acts perpendicular to the motion, it does not contribute to work.

3. Which property of a wave remains constant when the wave enters a different medium?

A. Frequency
B. Wavelength
C. Amplitude
D. Speed

Correct answer: d

Rationale: The speed of a wave remains constant when it enters a different medium, provided the conditions are unchanged.

4. What is the difference between active and passive immunity?

A. Active immunity is short-lived, while passive immunity is long-lasting.
B. Active immunity involves the body's own immune response, while passive immunity provides immediate protection through antibodies from another source.
C. Active immunity only protects against bacterial infections, while passive immunity works against both bacteria and viruses.
D. Passive immunity requires repeated vaccinations, while active immunity is a one-time process.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Active immunity involves the body's own immune response, while passive immunity provides immediate protection through antibodies from another source." Active immunity is long-lasting because it involves the body's immune system producing memory cells that remember specific pathogens, providing long-term protection. Passive immunity, on the other hand, is short-lived as it involves receiving pre-formed antibodies from an external source, such as through maternal transfer or injection of antibodies, which do not create memory cells for long-lasting protection.

5. 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.

6. Which statement accurately describes the Linnaean system of classification?

A. It focuses on evolutionary relationships between organisms
B. It uses dichotomous keys for identification
C. It groups organisms based on shared functions
D. It emphasizes a hierarchical ranking system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: The Linnaean system of classification, developed by Carl Linnaeus, is based on a hierarchical ranking system where organisms are grouped into categories based on shared characteristics. This system organizes organisms into a hierarchy of increasingly specific categories, from broad to narrow, such as kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. This hierarchical approach allows for the systematic organization and classification of a wide variety of organisms based on their similarities and differences.