1. Connective tissue provides support and connects other tissues. What is the main component that gives connective tissue its strength?

A. Collagen fibers
B. Epithelial cells
C. Nerve cells
D. Blood cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main component that gives connective tissue its strength is collagen fibers. Collagen is a fibrous protein that is the most abundant protein in the human body, providing tensile strength and support to tissues. Collagen fibers are arranged in a parallel fashion, giving connective tissue its resilience and ability to withstand stretching forces. Epithelial cells are not the main component of strength in connective tissue; they are specialized cells that line the surfaces of organs and structures. Nerve cells are responsible for transmitting signals and do not contribute to the strength of connective tissue. Blood cells are not structural components of connective tissue but rather play a role in transportation and immune function.

2. Which of the following is an example of stabilizing selection?

A. Selection that favors extreme traits in a population
B. Selection that removes individuals with extreme traits
C. Selection that maintains the current average trait in a population
D. Selection that favors one specific trait over all others

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: - Stabilizing selection is a type of natural selection that favors the intermediate variants in a population, while selecting against the extreme traits. This results in the maintenance of the current average trait in the population. - Option A is incorrect because stabilizing selection does not favor extreme traits; instead, it favors the average trait. - Option B is incorrect because stabilizing selection does not remove individuals with extreme traits; it acts against extreme traits by favoring the intermediate variants. - Option D is incorrect because stabilizing selection does not favor one specific trait over all others; it favors the average trait by selecting against extreme traits.

3. What is the main difference between white and brown adipose tissue?

A. Location only
B. Function and energy metabolism
C. Color only
D. Both white and brown have the same function

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main difference between white and brown adipose tissue lies in their function and energy metabolism. White adipose tissue is primarily involved in energy storage, while brown adipose tissue is responsible for energy expenditure through thermogenesis. Brown adipose tissue contains a higher density of mitochondria and a unique protein called uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) that allows for the generation of heat. This key distinction in function and energy metabolism sets white and brown adipose tissue apart, making option B the correct answer.

4. Which of the following is a common property of both acids and bases?

A. React with metals to produce hydrogen gas
B. Taste sour
C. Turn blue litmus paper red
D. Conduct electricity when dissolved in water

Correct answer: d

Rationale: Both acids and bases conduct electricity when dissolved in water. The other choices are specific to either acids or bases.

5. Which part of the brainstem controls heart rate and breathing?

A. Medulla oblongata
B. Pons
C. Midbrain
D. Thalamus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pons. The pons is a part of the brainstem located above the medulla oblongata and plays a crucial role in controlling vital functions such as heart rate and breathing. It contains neural circuits that regulate the rhythmic patterns of breathing and works in coordination with the medulla oblongata to ensure proper respiratory function. While the medulla oblongata is also involved in regulating these functions, the pons is more specifically responsible for fine-tuning and coordinating the activity of these essential processes.