adaptive radiation refers to the evolutionary process where

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 practice test science

1. Adaptive radiation refers to the evolutionary process where:

A. A single ancestral species diversifies into multiple descendant species due to ecological pressures in a heterogeneous environment.
B. Two unrelated species evolve similar adaptations in response to similar environments, leading to convergent evolution.
C. A population becomes increasingly well-adapted to its current environment through continued natural selection.
D. The fossil record exhibits gaps or missing links in the evolutionary history of a lineage.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: - Adaptive radiation is a process where a single ancestral species diversifies into multiple descendant species to exploit different ecological niches within a heterogeneous environment. - This diversification occurs due to the different selective pressures present in various habitats, leading to the evolution of distinct traits and adaptations in different descendant species. - Option A accurately describes the process of adaptive radiation, where the initial species undergoes rapid speciation to occupy different ecological roles and adapt to diverse environmental conditions. - Options B, C, and D do not accurately describe adaptive radiation but refer to other evolutionary processes such as convergent evolution, natural selection, and gaps in the fossil record, respectively.

2. What type of joint connects the bones of the skull?

A. Hinge joint
B. Fibrous joint
C. Ball-and-socket joint
D. Pivot joint

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fibrous joint. Fibrous joints connect the bones of the skull, providing stability with little to no movement. These joints are made of fibrous connective tissue, which holds the bones tightly together and prevents movement, making them ideal for the structure of the skull. Choice A: Hinge joint is incorrect because hinge joints allow movement in a single plane like the elbow or knee, which is not characteristic of the joints in the skull. Choice C: Ball-and-socket joint is incorrect as this type of joint allows for a wide range of movement in multiple planes, such as the hip and shoulder joints, which is not the case for skull bones. Choice D: Pivot joint is incorrect as pivot joints allow rotation around a central axis, as seen in the joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae (atlas and axis), but not in the skull bones.

3. Which of the following meninges is a thin membrane containing numerous nerves and blood vessels that supply nourishment to the underlying brain cells and spinal cord?

A. Arachnoid mater
B. Dura mater
C. Periosteum
D. Pia mater

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The pia mater is the correct answer. It is a thin, innermost layer of the meninges that contains numerous nerves and blood vessels, providing nourishment to the underlying brain cells and spinal cord. The arachnoid mater (Choice A) is the middle layer of the meninges and does not contain as many nerves and blood vessels as the pia mater. The dura mater (Choice B) is the tough, outermost layer of the meninges and is not responsible for supplying nourishment. The periosteum (Choice C) is a connective tissue membrane covering bones, not part of the meninges.

4. What is the significance of a healthy gut microbiome?

A. Production of digestive enzymes
B. Boosting the immune system and nutrient synthesis
C. Breakdown of complex carbohydrates
D. Regulation of appetite

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A healthy gut microbiome plays a crucial role in boosting the immune system by defending against harmful pathogens, synthesizing essential nutrients like vitamins, aiding in the digestion of certain foods, and maintaining overall gut health. While the gut microbiome does contribute to the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and regulation of appetite, its significance extends beyond these functions to include immune support and nutrient synthesis. Choice A, production of digestive enzymes, is not the primary significance of a healthy gut microbiome. Choice C is a function related to the gut microbiome but is not the sole significance. Choice D, regulation of appetite, is important but not as central as the immune system support and nutrient synthesis provided by a healthy gut microbiome.

5. Which of the following is directly transcribed from DNA and represents the first step in protein synthesis?

A. siRNA
B. rRNA
C. mRNA
D. tRNA

Correct answer: C

Rationale: mRNA (messenger RNA) is directly transcribed from DNA in the nucleus during the process of transcription. It serves as a template for protein synthesis during translation in the cytoplasm. mRNA carries genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes, where it determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein. Thus, mRNA represents the first step in protein synthesis as it carries the code from the DNA to be translated into a protein. Choice A, siRNA (small interfering RNA), is involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing and does not play a role in protein synthesis. Choice B, rRNA (ribosomal RNA), is a component of the ribosome and plays a structural and functional role in protein synthesis but is not directly transcribed from DNA. Choice D, tRNA (transfer RNA), is responsible for bringing amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis but is not directly transcribed from DNA.