1. The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that perform several vital functions. Which of the following is NOT a primary function of the kidneys?

A. Filtering waste products from the blood
B. Regulating blood pressure
C. Producing red blood cells
D. Maintaining water balance in the body

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. While the kidneys perform multiple vital functions, such as filtering waste products from the blood, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining water balance in the body, they do not produce red blood cells. Red blood cell production occurs in the bone marrow, specifically in the spongy tissue called the red bone marrow. Therefore, the kidneys' primary functions do not include producing red blood cells.

2. Which of these is NOT a function of the large intestine?

A. Absorbing water and electrolytes
B. Producing vitamins
C. Breaking down fiber
D. Eliminating waste products

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: A) Absorbing water and electrolytes: The large intestine plays a crucial role in absorbing water and electrolytes from the indigestible food matter that passes through it. This helps in maintaining the body's fluid balance and preventing dehydration. B) Producing vitamins: While the large intestine contains bacteria that can produce some vitamins like vitamin K and certain B vitamins, the primary site for vitamin production is the small intestine and other organs like the liver. C) Breaking down fiber: The large intestine is responsible for breaking down fiber that was not digested in the small intestine. The bacteria in the large intestine ferment fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids that can be used as an energy source by the body. D) Eliminating waste products: One of the main functions of the large intestine is to eliminate waste products, including indigestible food matter, dead cells, and bacteria, from the body in the form of feces.

3. Sweat glands help regulate body temperature by:

A. Producing sebum for lubrication
B. Constricting blood vessels in the skin (sweating doesn't cause constriction)
C. Releasing a watery fluid that evaporates for cooling
D. Thickening the epidermis for insulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Sweat glands help regulate body temperature by releasing a watery fluid that evaporates for cooling. When the body temperature rises, sweat glands produce sweat, which is mostly composed of water and salts. As this sweat evaporates from the skin's surface, it absorbs heat energy from the body, thus cooling it down. This process is essential for maintaining a stable body temperature during physical exertion or exposure to heat. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as sebum produced by sebaceous glands lubricates the skin, blood vessels dilate rather than constrict during sweating to release heat, and the epidermis does not thicken for insulation related to sweat glands.

4. In the process of osmosis, the solvent moves from an area of...

A. Low solute concentration to high solute concentration
B. Hotter solution to colder solution
C. Colder solution to hotter solution
D. High solute concentration to low solute concentration

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In osmosis, solvent molecules move across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration. This movement is driven by the desire to equalize the concentration of solutes on both sides of the membrane. As a result, option A is the correct answer because the solvent will naturally flow towards the area with a higher concentration of solutes in order to balance the concentrations on both sides of the membrane. Options B and C are incorrect as osmosis is not influenced by temperature differences. Option D is incorrect as the solvent does not move towards areas of high solute concentration in osmosis.

5. The phrase "disruptions to ecosystems" refers to

A. Minor inconveniences experienced by plant and animal species due to changing weather patterns.
B. Significant changes in ecological relationships and imbalances in populations and food webs.
C. The aesthetic alteration of landscapes due to melting glaciers and deforestation.
D. The economic losses suffered by industries relying on natural resources affected by climate change.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The phrase suggests profound impacts on ecological balance and species interactions, aligning with B.

6. Hair follicles are openings in the skin that house

A. Blood vessels (Blood vessels are not housed in hair follicles)
B. Nerve endings (Nerve endings are present but not housed within)
C. Hair shafts and hair roots
D. Sebaceous glands (These glands are often attached to hair follicles)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hair follicles are structures in the skin that house both the hair shaft and the hair root. The hair shaft is the visible part of the hair that extends from the skin's surface, while the hair root is the part embedded within the hair follicle and extends into the deeper layers of the skin. The sebaceous glands, which produce sebum (an oily substance), are typically attached to hair follicles and help lubricate and protect the hair and skin. Blood vessels and nerve endings are present in the skin but are not housed within the hair follicles themselves. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as hair follicles contain both the hair shaft and hair root.