Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. What are groups of cells that perform the same function called?

• A. tissues
• B. plastids
• C. organs
• D. molecules

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Groups of cells that perform the same function are called tissues. Tissues are composed of a group of similar cells working together to carry out specific functions within an organism. Each type of tissue has a specialized structure that enables it to perform its specific role effectively. Plastids are cell organelles found in plants responsible for functions like photosynthesis and storage, not groups of cells. Organs are composed of different types of tissues working together. Molecules are made up of atoms and are not groups of cells.

3. What is the primary function of Bartholin's glands?

• A. Secretes hormones that help the body respond to stress
• B. Provide lubrication for the vagina
• C. Helps control growth and development of the body
• D. Stimulate the development of T cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Bartholin's glands are two small glands located on each side of the vaginal opening. Their primary function is to secrete fluids that help lubricate the vagina during sexual arousal. This lubrication helps to reduce friction and discomfort during sexual activity, making intercourse more comfortable and pleasurable. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Bartholin's glands do not secrete hormones to respond to stress, control growth and development, or stimulate the development of T cells. Their main role is specifically related to vaginal lubrication.

4. Why are noble gas elements generally unreactive?

• A. They are too large and cannot form bonds easily.
• B. They lack valence electrons in their outermost shell.
• C. They have strong bonds within their own molecules.
• D. They have already achieved stable electron configurations.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Noble gas elements are generally unreactive because they have already achieved stable electron configurations by having a full outer electron shell. This full shell makes them very stable and unlikely to gain, lose, or share electrons with other elements. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because noble gases are not unreactive due to being too large to form bonds easily (A), lacking valence electrons in their outermost shell (B), or having strong bonds within their own molecules (C).

5. How do vaccines stimulate the immune system to develop memory without causing full-blown illness? What type of molecule in a vaccine typically triggers the immune response?

• A. Toxins produced by the pathogen
• B. Live, attenuated (weakened) forms of the pathogen
• C. Inactivated (dead) forms of the pathogen
• D. Antigens (specific molecules) from the pathogen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Vaccines work by triggering the immune system to develop memory without causing illness. They typically contain antigens, which are specific molecules from the pathogen. These antigens stimulate the immune system to produce a targeted immune response without causing full-blown sickness. By presenting these antigens, vaccines help the immune system create memory cells that remember the pathogen. This memory allows the immune system to respond more effectively if it encounters the pathogen in the future. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because vaccines do not typically contain toxins, live pathogens, or inactivated forms of the pathogen. Instead, vaccines primarily rely on specific molecules (antigens) to induce an immune response.

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