Nursing Elites

1. What impact would the removal of a keystone species have in an ecosystem?

• A. Lead to a decrease in competition among other species
• B. Cause a slight increase in primary productivity
• C. Have a minimal impact on the overall ecosystem structure
• D. Disrupt the food web and cause cascading effects on other populations

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and structure of an ecosystem due to their significant influence. If a keystone species is removed, it disrupts the delicate food web dynamics and can trigger cascading effects throughout the ecosystem. The disruption in predator-prey relationships can lead to population declines and even extinctions of other species. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because the removal of a keystone species would not decrease competition among other species, cause a slight increase in primary productivity, or have a minimal impact on the overall ecosystem structure. Instead, it would have a profound impact, disrupting the food web and causing cascading effects on other populations.

2. Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is an example of:

• A. Convergent evolution
• B. Divergent evolution
• C. Microevolution
• D. Macroevolution

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a classic example of microevolution (option C). Microevolution refers to changes in allele frequencies within a population over a relatively short period of time. In the case of antibiotic resistance, bacteria evolve resistance to antibiotics through the natural selection of pre-existing resistant strains. This process does not involve the formation of new species or higher taxonomic groups, which are associated with macroevolution (option D). Convergent evolution (option A) involves different species independently evolving similar traits in response to similar environmental pressures, which is not the case with antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Divergent evolution (option B) refers to related species becoming more dissimilar over time, which also does not apply to the scenario of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

3. How can you predict the charge of an ion formed by an element based on its position on the periodic table?

• A. Look for elements with similar atomic weights
• B. Identify the group number, which often indicates the typical ionic charge
• C. Identify the period number to determine the ionic charge
• D. Analyze the element's position within the group

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The group number of an element on the periodic table often indicates the typical ionic charge it will form. Elements in the same group tend to have similar chemical properties, including the tendency to gain or lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. This predictable pattern allows us to anticipate the charge of an ion formed by an element based on its position in the periodic table. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because predicting the charge of an ion is primarily based on the element's group number, which reflects its valence electrons and typical ionic charge. Atomic weight (Choice A) and period number (Choice C) do not directly correlate with the ionic charge prediction, and analyzing the element's position within the group (Choice D) is less relevant than identifying the group number itself.

4. Which structure of the respiratory system bifurcates into the primary bronchi?

• A. Trachea
• B. Alveoli
• C. Bronchioles
• D. Larynx

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The trachea is the structure that bifurcates into the primary bronchi. The trachea is a tube that carries air to and from the lungs. It divides into the left and right primary bronchi at a specific point called the carina, which then further divide into secondary and tertiary bronchi, leading to the bronchioles. The alveoli are the tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles where gas exchange occurs, not the structure that bifurcates into the primary bronchi. Bronchioles are smaller airway branches that come after the bronchi but do not bifurcate into them. The larynx, also known as the voice box, is located above the trachea and is responsible for sound production, not the bifurcation into primary bronchi. Therefore, the correct answer is the trachea.

5. What is the scientific term for the monthly cycle in females that prepares the body for potential pregnancy?

• A. Ovulation cycle
• B. Menstrual cycle
• C. Implantation cycle
• D. Gestation cycle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is the scientific term for the monthly cycle in females that prepares the body for potential pregnancy. This cycle involves various phases, including the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation), thickening of the uterine lining in preparation for a fertilized egg, and shedding of the uterine lining if pregnancy does not occur (menstruation). Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Option A, Ovulation cycle, only refers to the specific phase of egg release from the ovary. Option C, Implantation cycle, pertains to the process of the fertilized egg attaching to the uterine wall. Option D, Gestation cycle, denotes the period of fetal development during pregnancy, which is distinct from the monthly cycle preparing the body for potential pregnancy.

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