1. You observe that plants in a greenhouse grow faster when exposed to red light compared to blue light. What is the next best step in your investigation?

A. Increase the intensity of the blue light.
B. Decrease the intensity of the red light.
C. Grow plants in complete darkness.
D. Grow plants exposed to both red and blue light at equal intensities.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The next best step in the investigation would be to grow plants exposed to both red and blue light at equal intensities. This will help determine if the observed growth difference is due to the specific wavelength of light (red vs. blue) or if it is related to the intensity of light. By exposing plants to both red and blue light at equal intensities, you can compare their growth rates and determine if one wavelength has a greater effect on plant growth.

2. Simple columnar epithelium lining the small intestine is crucial for:

A. Movement
B. Support
C. Absorption
D. Insulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Absorption. The simple columnar epithelium lining the small intestine is crucial for absorption due to its structure and function. It has microvilli that increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption. This epithelium also contains specialized cells like goblet cells that secrete mucus to protect the lining and aid in the movement of materials. Movement (choice A) is more related to muscle tissue rather than epithelial tissue. Support (choice B) is usually provided by connective tissue rather than epithelial tissue. Insulation (choice D) is not a function of the simple columnar epithelium in the small intestine.

3. Which property of a wave determines its loudness in sound waves?

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

Correct answer: a

Rationale: Amplitude in sound waves relates to the loudness or intensity of the sound.

4. In meiosis I, how are sister chromatids distinguished from homologous chromosomes?

A. Sister chromatids share the same centromere, while homologues have different centromeres.
B. Sister chromatids have identical DNA sequences, while homologues have slightly different sequences due to crossing over.
C. Sister chromatids repel each other, while homologues attract each other during synapsis.
D. Sister chromatids separate during anaphase I, while homologues separate during anaphase II.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: While sister chromatids are identical copies of the same chromosome, homologous chromosomes are paired copies, each inherited from one parent. Crossing over during meiosis I can lead to slight differences in their DNA sequences.

5. Skeletal muscles are attached to bones by tough connective tissues called

A. Ligaments
B. Tendons
C. Cartilage
D. Fascia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tendons. Skeletal muscles are connected to bones by tendons, which are tough connective tissues that transmit the force generated by the muscle to the bone, allowing movement. Ligaments (A) connect bone to bone and provide stability to joints. Cartilage (C) is a smooth, firm tissue that covers the surface of bones at joints, reducing friction and absorbing shock. Fascia (D) is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles and other structures, providing support and protection.

6. Which type of wave requires a medium to travel through?

A. Electromagnetic waves
B. Mechanical waves
C. Sound waves
D. Both a and c

Correct answer: d

Rationale: Both mechanical waves (such as sound waves) and electromagnetic waves (like light) have different requirements for propagation, but both can travel through a medium.