biodiversity is important for healthy ecosystems because it

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science quizlet

1. Why is biodiversity important for healthy ecosystems?

A. Increases stability and resilience to disturbances
B. Provides stability and resilience to disturbances
C. Slows down nutrient cycling
D. Reduces the number of decomposers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in a particular area. A diverse ecosystem is better able to withstand and recover from disturbances such as natural disasters, climate change, or human impacts. This is because different species play unique roles in the ecosystem, and a higher level of biodiversity means there are more species available to fulfill these roles. For example, if one species is negatively affected by a disturbance, other species may be able to compensate for its loss, maintaining the overall functioning of the ecosystem. Therefore, biodiversity provides stability and resilience to disturbances, making ecosystems healthier and more sustainable. Choice A is incorrect because biodiversity doesn't increase competition for resources but rather helps in maintaining a balance within the ecosystem. Choice C is incorrect as biodiversity does not slow down nutrient cycling; in fact, it enhances nutrient cycling by ensuring a variety of species involved in the process. Choice D is incorrect as biodiversity does not reduce the number of decomposers but instead supports a diverse community of decomposers that are essential for nutrient recycling in ecosystems.

2. If every child in a certain family suffers from autism, what possible conclusion can be drawn about autism?

A. Autism may be lethal.
B. Autism may be genetic.
C. Autism is related to traditional nuclear family structures.
D. No conclusion can be drawn based on this evidence.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The possible conclusion that can be drawn from every child in a certain family suffering from autism is that autism may be genetic. The fact that every child in the family has autism suggests a strong genetic influence on the condition within this particular family. This does not necessarily mean that autism is solely genetic in all cases, but in this specific family, the pattern of all children being affected points towards a genetic connection. Choice A is incorrect as the information provided does not suggest that autism is lethal. Choice C is incorrect as there is no evidence to support a relationship between autism and traditional nuclear family structures. Choice D is incorrect because a conclusion can be drawn from the given evidence, indicating a potential genetic link within this specific family.

3. If a patient had a heart attack and tissue in the left ventricle lost blood flow, what would you most expect to happen?

A. Blood would not flow from the lungs.
B. Blood would back up in the legs.
C. Blood would not be pumped to the body.
D. Blood would not be oxygenated.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Blood would not be pumped to the body.' When tissue in the left ventricle loses blood flow due to a heart attack, the ability of the left ventricle to pump oxygenated blood to the body is compromised. This can lead to serious consequences for the patient's overall health and organ function. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a heart attack affecting the left ventricle does not directly impact blood flow from the lungs, cause blood to back up in the legs, or prevent blood from being oxygenated. The primary concern is the compromised ability of the left ventricle to pump blood to the rest of the body, affecting overall circulation and organ perfusion.

4. What is the difference between a germline mutation and a somatic mutation?

A. Germline mutations are passed to offspring, while somatic mutations are not.
B. Germline mutations occur in reproductive cells, while somatic mutations occur in body cells.
C. Germline mutations only affect genes, while somatic mutations can affect any DNA.
D. Germline mutations are always beneficial, while somatic mutations are always harmful.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: - Germline mutations are changes in the DNA of reproductive cells (sperm or egg cells) and can be passed on to offspring, affecting all cells in the resulting organism. - Somatic mutations are changes in the DNA of non-reproductive cells (body cells) and are not passed on to offspring. These mutations only affect the cells that arise from the mutated cell. - Option A is incorrect because somatic mutations are not passed to offspring. - Option C is incorrect because both germline and somatic mutations can affect any DNA. - Option D is incorrect because the effects of mutations, whether germline or somatic, can be beneficial, harmful, or have no significant impact.

5. Which of the following minerals is important for bone health and is stored in bones by the skeletal system?

A. Iron
B. Sodium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Calcium (Choice C). Calcium is essential for bone health and is stored in bones by the skeletal system. Bones act as a reservoir for calcium, playing a critical role in maintaining bone strength and density. Iron, sodium, and magnesium are important for various bodily functions but are not primarily stored in bones for bone health. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport, sodium helps regulate fluid balance, and magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body.