Nursing Elites

1. During which of the following stages does crossing over occur?

• A. Mitosis Prophase
• B. Meiosis Prophase I
• C. Meiosis Prophase II
• D. Interphase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Crossing over occurs during Prophase I of meiosis. This stage is specifically associated with genetic recombination, where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material. This process contributes to genetic diversity by creating new combinations of alleles. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. In mitosis, crossing over does not occur as it involves the separation of replicated chromosomes. Meiosis Prophase II is focused on the reformation of nuclei and does not involve crossing over. Interphase is a stage where the cell prepares for division and is not associated with crossing over.

2. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a population that is:

• A. Undergoing rapid evolution due to strong directional selection.
• B. Not evolving and at genetic equilibrium with stable allele frequencies.
• C. Experiencing a founder effect leading to a reduction in genetic diversity.
• D. Dominated by a single homozygous genotype that eliminates all variation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a theoretical population in which allele frequencies remain constant from generation to generation, indicating that the population is not evolving. This equilibrium occurs under specific conditions: no mutation, no gene flow, random mating, a large population size, and no natural selection. In this scenario, all genotypes are in proportion to the allele frequencies, and genetic diversity is maintained. Options A, C, and D do not accurately describe a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option A suggests rapid evolution due to strong directional selection, which would disrupt the equilibrium. Option C mentions a founder effect, which can reduce genetic diversity but is not a characteristic of a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option D describes a population dominated by a single homozygous genotype, which also does not align with the genetic diversity seen in a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

3. The hypodermis is primarily composed of which tissue?

• A. Adipose
• B. Connective
• C. Epithelial
• D. Muscle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous layer, is primarily composed of adipose (fat) tissue. Adipose tissue in the hypodermis serves as an insulator, energy reserve, and cushioning for the body. Choice B, Connective tissue, is a broad category that includes various types of tissue like adipose, but the hypodermis is specifically rich in adipose tissue. Choice C, Epithelial tissue, is not the primary component of the hypodermis; it is mainly found covering body surfaces and lining cavities. Choice D, Muscle tissue, is not a major component of the hypodermis; muscle tissue is mainly located deeper in the body and serves in movement and support functions.

4. Which term refers to a position farther from the midline of the body? For example, the little toe is lateral to the big toe on the same foot.

• A. Lateral
• B. Medial
• C. Proximal
• D. Distal

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lateral. Lateral refers to a position farther away from the midline of the body. In the example provided, the little toe is indeed lateral to the big toe on the same foot. This is in contrast to 'medial,' which means closer to the midline. 'Proximal' refers to a position closer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body, while 'distal' refers to a position farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

5. After the Industrial Revolution, the population of peppered moths in England shifted towards more dark moths. This is an example of:

• A. Artificial selection (selective breeding by humans for desired traits)
• B. Natural selection acting on pre-existing variation
• C. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
• D. Lamarckism (inheritance of acquired characteristics)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The shift in the peppered moth population towards more dark moths in England after the Industrial Revolution exemplifies natural selection acting on pre-existing variation. Initially, light-colored moths were well-camouflaged against lichen-covered tree trunks, but with industrial pollution darkening the tree trunks, dark-colored moths gained a survival advantage. This change reflects how the environment favored dark moths over light ones, illustrating natural selection. The process illustrates how organisms with traits advantageous in a changing environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the prevalence of those traits in the population over time. The choices of artificial selection (A), punctuated equilibrium (C), and Lamarckism (D) are not applicable in this scenario. Artificial selection involves intentional breeding by humans, punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by periods of stability, and Lamarckism suggests the inheritance of acquired characteristics, none of which align with the observed shift in moth populations based on environmental changes.

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