1. Which hormone is crucial for stimulating sperm production in males?

A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Testosterone
D. Insulin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Testosterone. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and is crucial for stimulating sperm production in males through the process of spermatogenesis. It is produced in the testes and plays a key role in the development and maintenance of male reproductive tissues, including the testes and prostate. Estrogen and progesterone are primarily female sex hormones, while insulin regulates blood sugar levels and metabolism. Therefore, testosterone is the hormone specifically responsible for stimulating sperm production in males.

2. Which of the following is a strong acid?

A. Acetic acid (CHÃ¢â€šÆ’COOH)
B. Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
C. Citric acid
D. Carbonic acid (HÃ¢â€šâ€šCOÃ¢â€šÆ’)

Correct answer: b

Rationale: Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid, meaning it completely ionizes in water to produce hydrogen ions. The other choices are weak acids.

3. Based on the passage, which statement is MOST likely to be true about the author's stance on social media?

A. It should be completely banned due to its overwhelmingly negative impact.
B. It can be a valuable tool but needs stricter regulations to address emerging issues.
C. Its benefits outweigh its drawbacks, and concerns about its use are exaggerated.
D. Technology alone cannot solve the problems associated with social media use.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The emphasis on critical thinking and responsible online behavior suggests an acknowledgment of social media's potential while advocating for addressing its downsides, aligning with B.

4. What is the coefficient of oxygen in the balanced chemical equation for the combustion of methane (CH4)?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Correct answer: b

Rationale: The balanced equation is CH4 + 2O2 Ã¢â€ â€™ CO2 + 2H2O, so the coefficient of oxygen is 2.

5. A study finds a correlation between increased ice cream consumption and lower crime rates. What is the MOST likely explanation for this observation?

A. Ice cream directly reduces criminal behavior.
B. People who commit crimes eat less ice cream.
C. A third factor, like hot weather, influences both.
D. The study design is flawed and the connection is false.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most likely explanation for the correlation between increased ice cream consumption and lower crime rates is a third factor influencing both variables. In this case, hot weather could be the common factor as both ice cream consumption and crime rates tend to increase during warmer months. This scenario illustrates the importance of considering confounding variables when interpreting correlations.

6. B cells in the immune system are responsible for:

A. Directly attacking and engulfing pathogens
B. Producing antibodies specific to a pathogen
C. Destroying infected body cells
D. All of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: B cells in the immune system are responsible for producing antibodies specific to a pathogen. This is because B cells are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response. When a B cell encounters a specific pathogen, it differentiates into plasma cells that produce antibodies targeted against that particular pathogen. These antibodies then tag the pathogen for destruction by other immune cells. B cells do not directly attack and engulf pathogens like phagocytes, nor do they destroy infected body cells like cytotoxic T cells. Therefore, option B is the correct answer as it accurately reflects the primary function of B cells in the immune system.