homologous structures are similar structures in different organisms that have a common evolutionary origin an example is

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Test 7 science

1. Homologous structures are similar structures in different organisms that have a common evolutionary origin. An example is:

A. Butterfly wings and bird wings (analogous structures with different origins)
B. The arm of a human, the wing of a bat, and the flipper of a whale
C. The eyes of an octopus and a human (convergent evolution with different origins)
D. The stinger of a bee and the barb of a cactus (unrelated structures)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Homologous structures are similar structures found in different organisms that share a common evolutionary origin. The arm of a human, the wing of a bat, and the flipper of a whale are all examples of homologous structures. Despite serving different functions, they share a common underlying structure due to their evolutionary relationship, evidencing a shared ancestry. These structures are modified over time to suit the specific needs of each species. Option A (Butterfly wings and bird wings) refers to analogous structures with different origins. Option C (The eyes of an octopus and a human) describes convergent evolution where traits evolve independently. Option D (The stinger of a bee and the barb of a cactus) are unrelated structures.

2. Which structure in the skin is responsible for producing oil that keeps the skin and hair moisturized?

A. Sudoriferous gland
B. Sebaceous gland
C. Hair follicle
D. Melanocyte

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sebaceous gland. Sebaceous glands are responsible for producing oil (sebum) that keeps the skin and hair moisturized. Sudoriferous glands produce sweat, not oil, and are involved in temperature regulation. Hair follicles are responsible for hair growth and do not produce oil directly. Melanocytes are cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, and are not involved in oil production.

3. Which type of joint allows for the most movement?

A. Ball-and-socket joint (shoulder)
B. Hinge joint (elbow)
C. Fibrocartilaginous joint (wrists)
D. Suture joint (skull)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ball-and-socket joint (shoulder). Ball-and-socket joints, exemplified by the shoulder joint, provide the widest range of movement among joint types. These joints facilitate flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation, allowing for versatile mobility. In a ball-and-socket joint, the rounded end of one bone fits into the socket of another bone, enabling extensive motion capabilities. Choice B, Hinge joint (elbow), allows movement in one plane, limiting its range compared to ball-and-socket joints. Choice C, Fibrocartilaginous joint (wrists), like the intervertebral discs, is meant for stability rather than extensive movement. Choice D, Suture joint (skull), found in the skull bones, is immovable and provides structural support rather than movement.

4. Which type of cell secretes antibodies?

A. Bacterial cells
B. Viral cells
C. Lymph cells
D. Plasma cells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell that secretes antibodies. Antibodies are essential components of the immune system, as they help in identifying and neutralizing pathogens. Choice A, B, and C are incorrect as bacterial cells and viral cells do not secrete antibodies, and lymph cells are involved in the immune response but do not secrete antibodies like plasma cells.

5. What is the Golgi apparatus?

A. A network of tubules that transport proteins and lipids throughout the cell
B. A sac-like structure that stores water and nutrients
C. The site of protein synthesis
D. The site of protein modification and packaging

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Golgi apparatus is an organelle in the cell responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for transport to their final destinations. It consists of a series of flattened sacs called cisternae and plays a crucial role in processing proteins synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum. Option A is incorrect because the network of tubules that transport proteins and lipids throughout the cell is typically associated with the endoplasmic reticulum. Option B is incorrect as the structure described is more characteristic of a vacuole, which stores water and nutrients. Option C is incorrect as protein synthesis primarily occurs in the ribosomes, not the Golgi apparatus.