decomposers in an ecosystem play a vital role by

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science quizlet

1. Decomposers in an ecosystem play a vital role by:

A. Photosynthesizing and producing organic matter
B. Breaking down dead organisms and returning nutrients to the environment
C. Preying on herbivores and controlling their populations
D. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and making it available to plants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances. By doing so, they help to recycle nutrients back into the environment, making them available for other organisms to use. This process is essential for the functioning of ecosystems, as it ensures that nutrients are not lost but instead are continuously cycled through the ecosystem. Photosynthesis (option A) is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, and it is not a role of decomposers. Preying on herbivores (option C) is a role typically carried out by predators, not decomposers. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere (option D) is a process carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, not decomposers.

2. Which two types of elements are most likely to form an ionic bond?

A. Two elements that are in the same period.
B. Two elements that are non-metals and have p orbitals.
C. One element that is a transition metal with d orbitals and one element that is a metal with s orbitals.
D. One element that is a metal with s orbitals and one element that is a nonmetal with p orbitals.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ionic bonds typically form between a metal, which donates electrons from its s orbital, and a nonmetal, which accepts electrons into its p orbital. This transfer of electrons leads to the formation of an ionic bond. Choice A is incorrect as elements in the same period may vary significantly in their properties. Choice B is incorrect because ionic bonds are usually formed between a metal and a nonmetal, not two nonmetals. Choice C is incorrect because transition metals generally form complex ions through the sharing of electrons, not typical ionic bonds.

3. Which types of waves are capable of interference and diffraction?

A. Longitudinal waves only
B. Transverse waves only
C. Electromagnetic waves only
D. Both longitudinal and transverse waves

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Both longitudinal and transverse waves are capable of interference and diffraction. Interference occurs when two or more waves overlap and combine, either constructively (increasing amplitude) or destructively (decreasing amplitude). Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings, which can occur with both longitudinal and transverse waves. Choice A is incorrect because only stating longitudinal waves can undergo interference and diffraction is inaccurate. Choice B is also incorrect as transverse waves, not just longitudinal waves, can exhibit these phenomena. Choice C is incorrect because electromagnetic waves are a broad category that includes both longitudinal and transverse waves, so it is not exclusive to either type. The correct answer is D because both longitudinal and transverse waves can demonstrate interference and diffraction.

4. Which muscle type is characterized by a combination of voluntary and involuntary control, is striated, and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the circulatory system?

A. Skeletal muscle
B. Smooth muscle
C. Cardiac muscle
D. Connective tissue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle is characterized by a combination of voluntary and involuntary control, is striated, and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the circulatory system. Skeletal muscle is primarily under voluntary control, smooth muscle is primarily under involuntary control, and connective tissue is not a muscle type, but rather provides support and structure to the body.

5. What is the building block of RNA?

A. Amino acid
B. Nucleotide
C. Protein
D. Fatty acid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nucleotide: Nucleotides are the building blocks of RNA. A nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, or uracil in RNA), a sugar (ribose in RNA), and a phosphate group. A) Amino acid: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, not RNA. C) Protein: Proteins are made up of amino acids, not nucleotides. D) Fatty acid: Fatty acids are components of lipids, not RNA.