a solution is formed when

ATI TEAS 7

Mometrix TEAS 7 science practice test

1. When is a solution formed?

A. One substance dissolves in another
B. Two or more substances react chemically
C. A solid changes to a liquid
D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A solution is formed when one substance dissolves in another. This process creates a homogeneous mixture where the solute is dispersed in the solvent, resulting in a uniform composition throughout the mixture. Choice B is incorrect because chemical reactions involve the transformation of substances into new compounds, not the formation of solutions. Choice C is incorrect as it describes a physical change from a solid to a liquid, not the formation of a solution. Choice D is incorrect as one substance dissolving in another is the defining characteristic of a solution.

2. When testing how quickly a rat dies based on the amount of poison it eats, which of the following is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable?

A. How quickly the rat dies is the independent variable; the amount of poison is the dependent variable.
B. The amount of poison is the independent variable; how quickly the rat dies is the dependent variable.
C. Whether the rat eats the poison is the independent variable; how quickly the rat dies is the dependent variable.
D. The cage the rat is kept in is the independent variable; the amount of poison is the dependent variable.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In this experiment, the independent variable is the amount of poison because it is what is being manipulated by the researcher. The dependent variable is how quickly the rat dies, as it is the outcome that is being measured based on the different amounts of poison administered. Choice A is incorrect because the independent variable should be what is being manipulated or changed, which is the amount of poison in this case. Choice C is incorrect because whether the rat eats the poison is not being varied or controlled by the researcher. Choice D is incorrect because the cage the rat is kept in is not relevant to the relationship being studied between the amount of poison and the rat's survival time.

3. Which of the following is NOT a source of genetic variation in a population?

A. Mutations in genes
B. Genetic drift (random fluctuations in allele frequencies)
C. Gene flow (movement of genes between populations)
D. Blending inheritance (traits of parents are averaged in offspring)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: A) Mutations in genes: Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can introduce new alleles into a population, leading to genetic variation. B) Genetic drift (random fluctuations in allele frequencies): Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population, which can lead to genetic variation through chance events. C) Gene flow (movement of genes between populations): Gene flow occurs when individuals move between populations, bringing new alleles with them and increasing genetic variation within populations. D) Blending inheritance (traits of parents are averaged in offspring): Blending inheritance was a historical theory that suggested offspring inherit a blend of traits from their parents, leading to a reduction in genetic variation over time. However, this concept has been disproven by the understanding of Mendelian genetics, where traits are inherited independently and do not blend together. Therefore, blending inheritance does not contribute

4. Which of the following is NOT a mechanism that can directly cause evolution by natural selection?

A. Mutations in genes
B. Differential survival and reproduction based on traits
C. Inheritance of acquired characteristics (like strong muscles from working out)
D. Competition for resources in an environment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Mutations in genes can introduce new genetic variations into a population, which can be acted upon by natural selection. B) Differential survival and reproduction based on traits is a key component of natural selection, as individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation. C) Inheritance of acquired characteristics, also known as Lamarckism, is not a mechanism of evolution by natural selection. Traits acquired during an individual's lifetime (such as strong muscles from working out) are not passed on to offspring. D) Competition for resources in an environment can drive natural selection by favoring individuals with traits that help them better compete for limited resources. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Inheritance of acquired characteristics (like strong muscles from working out), as it is not a mechanism that can directly cause evolution by natural selection.

5. Which of the following is a component of the immune system?

A. Red blood cells
B. White blood cells
C. Platelets
D. Plasma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: White blood cells are a crucial component of the immune system as they play a key role in fighting infections and foreign invaders. Red blood cells are primarily involved in oxygen transport, platelets are important for blood clotting, and plasma is the liquid component of blood that carries various substances but is not directly involved in the immune response.