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. What type of bond links amino acids together to form proteins?

• A. Hydrogen bond
• B. Ionic bond
• C. Disulfide bond
• D. Covalent bond

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Amino acids are linked together by covalent bonds to form proteins. Specifically, the bond that links amino acids together is called a peptide bond, which is a type of covalent bond. The peptide bond forms between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another amino acid, resulting in the formation of a peptide chain. While hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and disulfide bonds are important for protein structure and stability, the primary bond responsible for linking amino acids in a protein chain is the covalent peptide bond. Hydrogen bonds are involved in maintaining the secondary structure of proteins, such as alpha helices and beta sheets. Ionic bonds and disulfide bonds contribute to tertiary and quaternary structures of proteins by stabilizing interactions between different parts of the protein or between different protein subunits, respectively.

3. What is the responsibility of the somatic nervous system?

• A. Breathing
• B. Thought
• C. Movement
• D. Fear

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The somatic nervous system is responsible for controlling voluntary movements of skeletal muscles. This system communicates sensory information and controls voluntary movements, such as walking or reaching for objects. Breathing is primarily regulated by the autonomic nervous system, which functions involuntarily. Thought processes involve complex interactions between various regions of the brain and are not directly controlled by the somatic nervous system. Fear is an emotional response that involves the limbic system of the brain and the autonomic nervous system, not the somatic nervous system.

4. Which type of cartilage allows for smooth movement at joints and absorbs shock?

• A. Hyaline cartilage
• B. Fibrocartilage
• C. Elastic cartilage
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fibrocartilage is the correct answer. It is found in areas requiring both support and resilience, such as the intervertebral discs and knee joints. Fibrocartilage contains collagen fibers for strength and proteoglycans for resilience, making it suitable for functions that involve smooth movement at joints and shock absorption. Hyaline cartilage, while providing structural support, is not primarily responsible for smooth movement and shock absorption. Elastic cartilage is more flexible and is found in locations like the ear and epiglottis, but it is not known for its shock-absorbing properties. Choosing 'None of the above' disregards the correct option of fibrocartilage, which is specifically designed for the functions described in the question.

5. Which type of energy is possessed by an object due to its position or configuration?

• A. Kinetic energy
• B. Thermal energy
• C. Potential energy
• D. Electrical energy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Potential energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its position or configuration. It is considered stored energy that can be converted into other forms of energy to do work. When an object is lifted against gravity or compressed, it gains potential energy. Kinetic energy, the incorrect choice A, is the energy of motion possessed by an object. Thermal energy, the incorrect choice B, is related to the temperature of an object due to the motion of its particles. Electrical energy, the incorrect choice D, is related to the flow of electric charge in a circuit or system. Therefore, the correct answer is potential energy as it is associated with an object's position or configuration.

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