1. Cartilage, found in joints and the ear, is a type of:

A. Epithelial tissue
B. Connective tissue
C. Muscle tissue
D. Nervous tissue

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Connective tissue. Cartilage is a tough, flexible type of connective tissue that provides support and cushioning in joints and the ear. It is made up of specialized cells called chondrocytes embedded in a gel-like matrix of collagen and proteoglycans. Epithelial tissue (A) covers and lines body surfaces, muscle tissue (C) is responsible for movement, and nervous tissue (D) transmits signals in the body. In contrast, cartilage primarily serves a structural and protective function, placing it within the category of connective tissue.

2. What is the main function of energy storage technologies in the context of renewable energy?

A. Reduce the cost of producing solar and wind power.
B. Enhance the efficiency of energy transmission and distribution.
C. Compensate for the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources.
D. Eliminate the need for fossil fuels in electricity generation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C directly addresses the passage's emphasis on managing the fluctuating availability of renewable energy, hence being the main function of storage technologies.

3. The "master gland" of the endocrine system, located at the base of the brain, secretes various hormones that control other glands is the:

A. Thyroid gland
B. Pituitary gland
C. Adrenal gland
D. Pancreas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is often referred to as the "master gland" because it plays a crucial role in regulating other endocrine glands in the body. It is located at the base of the brain and secretes various hormones that control functions such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response. The thyroid gland (A) regulates metabolism, the adrenal gland (C) produces hormones involved in stress response, and the pancreas (D) is primarily responsible for regulating blood sugar levels through insulin production, but they do not serve as the master gland of the endocrine system.

4. A lab needs 200ml of a 5% salt solution. They only have a 10% solution. How much 10% solution and water should be mixed?

A. 100ml 10% solution, 100ml water
B. 150ml 10% solution, 50ml water
C. 160ml 10% solution, 40ml water
D. 200ml 10% solution, 0ml water

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Let x be the volume of the 10% solution needed and y be the volume of water needed. 2. The total volume of the final solution is 200ml, so x + y = 200. 3. The concentration of the final solution is 5%, so the amount of salt in the final solution is 0.05 * 200 = 10g. 4. The amount of salt in the 10% solution is 0.1x, and the amount of salt in the water is 0, so the total amount of salt in the final solution is 0.1x. 5. Since the total amount of salt in the final solution is 10g, we have 0.1x = 10. 6. Solving for x, we get x = 100ml. 7. Substituting x =

5. The primary source of energy entering most ecosystems is:

A. Chemical energy stored in bonds
B. Thermal energy from the Earth's core
C. Light energy from the sun
D. Kinetic energy from wind and water

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: In most ecosystems, the primary source of energy is sunlight. This energy is captured by plants and other photosynthetic organisms through the process of photosynthesis. These organisms convert light energy into chemical energy stored in the bonds of organic molecules, such as glucose. This stored chemical energy is then passed on to other organisms in the ecosystem through the food chain, making sunlight the fundamental source of energy for most ecosystems. Thermal energy from the Earth's core (option B) is not a primary source of energy for ecosystems, as it is not readily accessible to most organisms. Kinetic energy from wind and water (option D) can play a role in some ecosystems, but it is not the primary source of energy. Chemical energy stored in bonds (option A) is a form of energy that is derived ultimately from the sun through photosynthesis.