if a biologist is describing the physical and visible expression of a genetic trait which of the following is he or she referring to

ATI TEAS 7

Science TEAS Practice Test

1. When a biologist describes the physical and visible expression of a genetic trait, which of the following is being referred to?

A. Phenotype
B. Allele
C. Gamete
D. Genotype

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Phenotype. Phenotype specifically refers to the observable physical characteristics resulting from the interaction of an individual's genetic makeup (genotype) with environmental influences. It represents the outward expression of an organism's genetic makeup. Allele, represented by choice B, refers to different forms of a gene and is not the visible expression of a trait. Gamete, represented by choice C, is a reproductive cell and not directly related to the physical expression of traits. Genotype, represented by choice D, refers to the genetic makeup of an organism and is distinct from the observable physical characteristics denoted by phenotype.

2. The neutral theory of molecular evolution proposes that:

A. Most mutations in DNA are selectively neutral and do not affect an organism's fitness.
B. All mutations are beneficial and contribute to the adaptation of a population.
C. The rate of evolution is primarily driven by strong directional selection pressures.
D. Genetic drift plays a negligible role in shaping genetic variation within populations.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: A) The neutral theory of molecular evolution, proposed by Motoo Kimura in the 1960s, suggests that the majority of mutations that occur in DNA are selectively neutral, meaning they do not have a significant impact on an organism's fitness. These neutral mutations are not subject to natural selection and are allowed to accumulate in populations over time. This theory helps explain the high levels of genetic variation observed within populations. B) Option B is incorrect because not all mutations are beneficial. Mutations can be neutral, harmful, or beneficial, and the neutral theory specifically focuses on the idea that many mutations are neutral in their effects. C) Option C is incorrect because the neutral theory suggests that evolution is not primarily driven by strong directional selection pressures. Instead, it emphasizes the role of genetic drift and the accumulation of neutral mutations in shaping genetic variation. D) Option D is incorrect because

3. What term describes the maximum displacement of particles from their rest position in a wave?

A. Frequency
B. Wavelength
C. Amplitude
D. Velocity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The term that describes the maximum displacement of particles from their rest position in a wave is called the amplitude. Amplitude is a measure of the strength or intensity of a wave and is represented by the height of the wave from the rest position to the crest (or trough) of the wave. Frequency (A) refers to the number of complete wavelengths that pass a point in a given time. Wavelength (B) is the distance between two consecutive crests (or troughs) of a wave. Velocity (D) is the speed of the wave, not the maximum displacement of particles from their rest position.

4. What is the definition of work in physics?

A. Force applied to an object at rest
B. Force exerted by an object in motion
C. Transfer of energy through motion along a direction
D. Measure of an object's potential energy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In physics, work is defined as the transfer of energy through motion along a direction. When a force is applied to an object, and the object moves in the direction of the force, work is done on the object. The work done is calculated as the force applied multiplied by the distance the object moves in the direction of the force. Choices A and B do not fully capture the essence of work, as work is about energy transfer through motion, not merely applying force to objects at rest or in motion. Choice D is incorrect as work is not a measure of an object's potential energy; rather, it is the transfer of energy through motion.

5. What term describes the bouncing back of waves after striking a surface or boundary?

A. Diffraction
B. Refraction
C. Reflection
D. Interference

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Reflection.' Reflection is the term used to describe the bouncing back of waves after striking a surface or boundary. Diffraction, on the other hand, refers to the bending of waves around obstacles. Refraction is the bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another. Interference involves the combination of two or more waves that results in a new wave pattern. Therefore, in this context, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically relate to the bouncing back of waves after striking a surface or boundary.