1. Which of the following is NOT a function of the nervous system?

A. Detecting touch
B. Regulating body temperature
C. Producing insulin
D. Controlling muscle movement

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Producing insulin.' The nervous system is responsible for detecting touch (option A), regulating body temperature (option B), and controlling muscle movement (option D). Insulin production is actually regulated by the endocrine system, specifically the pancreas. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels, which is not a function of the nervous system. It is important to differentiate between the roles of the nervous system and the endocrine system in maintaining bodily functions.

2. 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.

3. Which type of brain wave activity is often seen during REM sleep, associated with dreaming?

A. Delta waves
B. Alpha waves
C. Beta waves
D. Theta waves

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the brain is highly active, and theta waves are the dominant brain wave pattern. Theta waves are associated with deep relaxation, creativity, and dreaming. Delta waves are typically seen in deep sleep stages, not during REM sleep. Alpha waves are present when we are awake but relaxed, while beta waves are associated with active thinking and concentration. Therefore, theta waves are the correct answer for brain wave activity during REM sleep.

4. In the phrase "a drop in the bucket," "bucket" represents:

A. A literal container
B. A large quantity
C. A specific goal
D. An obstacle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The phrase signifies that something is insignificant compared to a much larger amount.

5. The neutral theory of molecular evolution proposes that:

A. Most mutations in DNA are selectively neutral and do not affect an organism's fitness.
B. All mutations are beneficial and contribute to the adaptation of a population.
C. The rate of evolution is primarily driven by strong directional selection pressures.
D. Genetic drift plays a negligible role in shaping genetic variation within populations.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: A) The neutral theory of molecular evolution, proposed by Motoo Kimura in the 1960s, suggests that the majority of mutations that occur in DNA are selectively neutral, meaning they do not have a significant impact on an organism's fitness. These neutral mutations are not subject to natural selection and are allowed to accumulate in populations over time. This theory helps explain the high levels of genetic variation observed within populations. B) Option B is incorrect because not all mutations are beneficial. Mutations can be neutral, harmful, or beneficial, and the neutral theory specifically focuses on the idea that many mutations are neutral in their effects. C) Option C is incorrect because the neutral theory suggests that evolution is not primarily driven by strong directional selection pressures. Instead, it emphasizes the role of genetic drift and the accumulation of neutral mutations in shaping genetic variation. D) Option D is incorrect because

6. A balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sodium and chlorine to form sodium chloride is:

A. Na + Cl2 -> NaCl
B. 2Na + Cl2 -> 2NaCl
C. Na2 + Cl -> 2NaCl
D. Na + 2Cl -> NaCl2

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sodium and chlorine to form sodium chloride is '2Na + Cl2 -> 2NaCl'. This equation is balanced as it shows that 2 atoms of sodium react with 1 molecule of chlorine gas to produce 2 molecules of sodium chloride. Option A 'Na + Cl2 -> NaCl' is incorrect as it does not balance the number of atoms on both sides of the equation. It only shows 1 atom of sodium reacting with 1 molecule of chlorine, which is not a balanced representation of the chemical reaction. Therefore, option B is the correct choice for this question.