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. Which of the following components is found in DNA?

• A. Uracil
• B. Deoxyribose
• C. Guanine
• D. Phosphate group

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Deoxyribose. DNA is composed of nucleotides containing deoxyribose sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine). Deoxyribose is the sugar component specific to DNA, while ribose is found in RNA. Guanine (choice C) is a nitrogenous base present in both DNA and RNA. Uracil (choice A) is a nitrogenous base specific to RNA, replacing thymine found in DNA. The phosphate group (choice D) is an essential part of nucleotides in both DNA and RNA, providing the backbone structure for the nucleic acid chains.

3. How many electrons are typically found in each shell of a neutral aluminum atom with 13 electrons in its electron cloud?

• A. 6 in the first shell, 7 in the second shell
• B. 2 in the first shell, 11 in the second shell
• C. 2 in the first shell, 8 in the second shell, 3 in the third shell
• D. 3 in the first shell, 5 in the second shell, 5 in the third shell

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a neutral aluminum atom with 13 electrons, the electron distribution typically follows the electron shell filling order based on the Aufbau principle. The first shell can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, the second shell can hold up to 8 electrons, and the third shell can hold up to 8 electrons as well. Therefore, the distribution would be 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 electrons in the second shell, and 3 electrons in the third shell, totaling 13 electrons. Choice A is incorrect as it exceeds the maximum number of electrons the shells can hold. Choice B is incorrect as it does not distribute the electrons correctly among the shells. Choice D is incorrect as it also does not distribute the electrons correctly among the shells.

4. Which cavity is primarily lined by the peritoneum?

• A. Abdominal
• B. Dorsal
• C. Ventral
• D. Thoracic

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Abdominal.' The peritoneum primarily lines the abdominal cavity, providing support and protection to abdominal organs. It is a serous membrane that covers the abdominal organs and the abdominal wall, aiding in their function and protection. Choice B, 'Dorsal,' is incorrect because the peritoneum does not primarily line the dorsal cavity. Choice C, 'Ventral,' is incorrect as the peritoneum is not primarily associated with the ventral cavity. Choice D, 'Thoracic,' is incorrect because the peritoneum primarily lines the abdominal cavity and is not primarily found in the thoracic cavity.

5. What are chromosomes made of?

• A. DNA and RNA
• B. DNA and protein
• C. Protein and RNA
• D. DNA and lipids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chromosomes are made up of DNA and associated proteins. These proteins help package and organize the DNA within the cell, playing a crucial role in gene regulation and cell division. While RNA is involved in various cellular processes, it is not a primary component of chromosomes. Lipids are not a fundamental component of chromosomes, which primarily consist of DNA and proteins.

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