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. What are the three types of capillaries?

A. Continuous, fenestrated, sinusoidal
B. Continuous, discontinuous, fenestrated
C. Sinusoidal, alveolar, continuous
D. Continuous, fenestrated, vascular

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Continuous, fenestrated, sinusoidal. Capillaries are classified into three types based on their permeability: continuous (least permeable), fenestrated (moderately permeable), and sinusoidal (most permeable). Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the three main types of capillaries. Choice B includes 'discontinuous' which is not a recognized type. Choice C includes 'alveolar' which is not a type of capillary, and Choice D includes 'vascular' which is too broad and not specific to capillary classification.

3. Are red hair and a height of six feet part of an individual's genotype or phenotype?

A. Red hair is part of the phenotype; height is part of the genotype.
B. Red hair is part of the genotype; height is part of the phenotype.
C. Both characteristics describe his genotype.
D. Both characteristics describe his phenotype.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the context of genetics, genotype refers to an individual's genetic makeup, while phenotype refers to the observable characteristics resulting from the interaction of the genotype with the environment. Red hair and a height of six feet are observable characteristics, making them part of the individual's phenotype. Therefore, both red hair and height are aspects of the individual's phenotype. Choices A and B are incorrect as they incorrectly assign one characteristic to the genotype and the other to the phenotype, which is not accurate. Choice C is incorrect as it states that both characteristics describe the genotype, which is inaccurate as they are observable traits. The correct answer is D, as both red hair and height are observable traits or characteristics, falling under the definition of phenotype in genetics.

4. What is the primary function of ribosomes in a cell?

A. Protein synthesis
B. DNA replication
C. Cell division
D. Lipid synthesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Protein synthesis. Ribosomes are the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They read the messenger RNA (mRNA) and translate the genetic information into specific proteins. This process is essential for building and maintaining the structures and functions of the cell. Choice B, DNA replication, is incorrect because ribosomes are not involved in replicating DNA; that process occurs in the nucleus. Choice C, cell division, is incorrect as ribosomes are not directly involved in cell division but rather in protein synthesis. Choice D, lipid synthesis, is also incorrect as ribosomes are not responsible for synthesizing lipids, which primarily occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum and other organelles.

5. What is the function of the adrenal glands?

A. To regulate metabolism
B. To produce bile
C. To produce red blood cells
D. To regulate blood glucose

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: To regulate blood glucose. The adrenal glands play a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels and the body's response to stress. Choice A, 'To regulate metabolism,' is incorrect as the primary role of the adrenal glands is not directly related to metabolism regulation. Choice B, 'To produce bile,' is incorrect because bile is produced by the liver, not the adrenal glands. Choice C, 'To produce red blood cells,' is also incorrect as the production of red blood cells primarily occurs in the bone marrow, not the adrenal glands.