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. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

A. Time
B. Dog weight
C. Dog species
D. Dog food type

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The independent variable is the factor that is manipulated by the researcher to observe its effects on the dependent variable. In this experiment, the researcher is likely changing the type of dog food, and this manipulation is what impacts the outcome being measured. Therefore, 'Dog food type' is the independent variable. Choices A, B, and C do not represent the variable being intentionally changed by the researcher, making them dependent variables or other factors not directly controlled or manipulated in this experiment.

3. What are isotopes?

A. Atoms of the same element with different numbers of protons.
B. Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
C. Atoms of different elements with the same number of protons.
D. Atoms of different elements with the same number of electrons.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. While isotopes share the same number of protons, which determines the element, they differ in the number of neutrons. This variance in neutron count results in isotopes having different atomic masses. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes have the same number of protons (same element) but differ in the number of neutrons. Choice C is incorrect as it describes atoms of different elements, not isotopes of the same element. Choice D is also incorrect because isotopes can have different numbers of electrons, but what defines isotopes is the variation in neutron numbers.

4. Alpha waves, characteristic of quiet wakefulness and relaxation, have a frequency range of:

A. 0.5-4 Hz
B. 4-8 Hz
C. 8-13 Hz
D. 13-30 Hz

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Alpha waves are neural oscillations in the frequency range of 8-13 Hz, which are typically associated with a state of quiet wakefulness and relaxation. Option C, 8-13 Hz, is the correct frequency range for alpha waves. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not fall within the specific frequency range characteristic of alpha waves.

5. How does urine flow through the urethra?

A. Continuously
B. Only when the bladder is completely full
C. Under voluntary control of sphincter muscles
D. A combination of B and C

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Urine flows through the urethra under voluntary control of sphincter muscles. These muscles can be consciously contracted or relaxed to control the flow of urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Choice A is incorrect as urine flow is not continuous but rather regulated. Choice B is incorrect because urine flow is not restricted to only when the bladder is completely full. Choice D is incorrect as it inaccurately combines the two incorrect statements of choices B and C.