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 tiny blood vessels that transport blood from arteries to veins within the body?

A. Arterioles
B. Capillaries
C. Venules
D. Veins

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Capillaries. Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels that connect arterioles (small arteries) with venules (small veins). They enable the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the blood and tissues. Arterioles are small arteries that carry blood away from the heart, while venules are small veins that carry blood towards the heart. Veins are larger blood vessels that transport blood back to the heart. Therefore, capillaries specifically serve as the vessels responsible for the exchange of substances between the blood and body tissues.

3. What is the primary function of the endocrine system?

A. Heartbeat
B. Respiration
C. Electrolyte and water balance
D. Homeostasis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The primary function of the endocrine system is to maintain homeostasis. Homeostasis refers to the stable internal conditions of the body, including body temperature, blood pH, and glucose levels. The endocrine system achieves this by releasing hormones that regulate various physiological processes and help keep the body's internal environment in balance. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while the endocrine system does influence heart rate, electrolyte and water balance, and respiration to some extent, its primary role is to regulate homeostasis by releasing hormones.

4. What property of a substance refers to its ability to undergo a chemical change and form new substances?

A. Density
B. Mass
C. Reactivity
D. Volume

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Reactivity is the property of a substance that describes its ability to undergo a chemical change and form new substances. Density (A), mass (B), and volume (D) are physical properties of a substance and do not directly relate to its ability to undergo chemical changes. Density is the measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume, mass is the amount of matter in an object, and volume is the amount of space an object occupies. Therefore, reactivity (C) is the correct answer as it specifically addresses the substance's ability to undergo chemical changes.

5. What is the process by which ribosomes use transcribed RNA to assemble the required protein?

A. Translation
B. Transcription
C. Replication
D. Duplication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Translation is the correct process where ribosomes decode mRNA to synthesize proteins, following the sequence of codons in the mRNA. During translation, ribosomes use the transcribed RNA (mRNA) as a template to assemble amino acids into a protein according to the genetic code carried by the mRNA. Choice B, Transcription, is incorrect as it is the process of synthesizing mRNA from a DNA template. Choice C, Replication, is also incorrect as it involves the duplication of DNA to produce an identical copy. Choice D, Duplication, is not a biological term related to protein synthesis, making it an incorrect choice.