1. A hypothesis should be:

A. A definitive statement of fact based on existing knowledge.
B. A testable prediction based on observations and reasoning.
C. A broad question without any specific direction or focus.
D. A personal belief or opinion not requiring further investigation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hypotheses guide scientific exploration by providing a framework for testing potential explanations.

2. Molecular clocks utilize the accumulation of mutations in DNA sequences to estimate the evolutionary divergence time between species. This method relies on the assumption that:

A. The rate of mutation is constant across all genes and all species.
B. Species with more morphological similarities diverged more recently.
C. Mutations are always beneficial and contribute to increased fitness.
D. The fossil record provides the most accurate estimates of evolutionary relationships.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: A molecular clock is a method used to estimate the time of divergence between species by measuring the accumulation of mutations in DNA sequences. This method relies on the assumption that mutations occur at a relatively constant rate over time. If the rate of mutation were not constant, it would be challenging to accurately estimate the evolutionary divergence time between species. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate choice as it aligns with the fundamental principle underlying the molecular clock hypothesis. Option B is incorrect because the assumption that species with more morphological similarities diverged more recently does not directly relate to the concept of molecular clocks and the accumulation of mutations in DNA sequences. Option C is incorrect because mutations are not always beneficial and do not always contribute to increased fitness. Mutations can be neutral or deleterious as well, and their accumulation is what is used to estimate evolutionary di

3. When light reflects from a surface, what determines the angle of reflection?

A. The material of the surface
B. The wavelength of the light
C. The angle of incidence
D. The intensity of the light

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The angle of reflection is always equal to the angle of incidence according to the law of reflection, regardless of the material, wavelength, or intensity.

4. What is the molar mass of Ca(NO3)2?

A. 74.1 g/mol
B. 132.1 g/mol
C. 164.1 g/mol
D. 78.1 g/mol

Correct answer: b

Rationale: Calculate the molar mass: Ca(40.08) + 2N(14.01) + 6O(16.00) = 132.1 g/mol.

5. When you get a goosebump, which type of muscle tissue is responsible for causing the hair follicles to stand on end?

A. Skeletal muscle
B. Smooth muscle
C. Cardiac muscle
D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When you get a goosebump, the type of muscle tissue responsible for causing the hair follicles to stand on end is smooth muscle. Smooth muscle is found in the skin attached to hair follicles and is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. When stimulated by factors like cold or emotional responses, the smooth muscle contracts, causing the hair to stand up and creating goosebumps. Skeletal muscle (choice A) is responsible for voluntary movements, cardiac muscle (choice C) is found in the heart and is responsible for pumping blood, and none of the above (choice D) is incorrect as smooth muscle is the correct answer in this case.

6. A car is traveling on a curved road. What force keeps the car moving along the curved path?

A. Gravitational force
B. Normal force from the road
C. Air resistance
D. Friction between the tires and the road

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this case, static friction acts between the tires and the road, providing the centripetal force required to keep the car moving in a circle even though it's traveling in a straight line relative to the ground.