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. When conducting a research study, which of the following is NOT a good reason for using a computer?

• A. A computer can be used to store and sort large quantities of data.
• B. Computers can interface with instruments and record data efficiently.
• C. Using a computer eliminates all subjectivity and potential bias from an experiment.
• D. A computer can perform complex calculations more quickly and accurately than a human can.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Using a computer does not eliminate all subjectivity and potential bias from an experiment. While computers can assist in data collection and analysis, the design and execution of the research study can still be influenced by subjectivity and bias introduced by researchers. Researchers need to recognize their potential biases and take measures to reduce them throughout the research process. Choice A is correct as computers are valuable for managing large datasets. Choice B is correct as computers can efficiently work with instruments and record data. Choice D is correct as computers excel in performing complex calculations faster and more accurately than humans.

3. Which of the following is NOT a typical component of healthy semen?

• A. Sperm
• B. Fructose (sugar)
• C. Prostaglandins
• D. Urine

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Healthy semen is composed of sperm, fructose (sugar), and prostaglandins. Urine is not a typical component of semen. While semen is ejaculated during sexual activity, urine is expelled through a separate pathway in the male reproductive system. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Urine.' Choices A, B, and C are all components found in healthy semen.

4. What is the term for the involuntary muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract?

• A. Segmentation
• B. Peristalsis
• C. Chyme
• D. Emulsification

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Peristalsis is the correct term for the involuntary muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract. These contractions help push food along the digestive system, facilitating digestion and absorption of nutrients. Segmentation, on the other hand, refers to the mixing and breaking down of food in the intestines, not the movement of food. Chyme is the semi-fluid mass of partially digested food in the stomach and small intestine, not the muscle contractions. Emulsification is the process of breaking down fat globules into smaller droplets to aid in digestion, not the movement of food through the digestive tract. Therefore, peristalsis is the most appropriate term for this function.

5. How can the peripheral nervous system be further divided?

• A. Sensory and motor
• B. Sympathetic and parasympathetic
• C. Myelinated and unmyelinated
• D. Central and peripheral

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The peripheral nervous system can be further divided into sensory (afferent) neurons that carry information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system and motor (efferent) neurons that carry information from the central nervous system to muscles and glands. Choice A, 'Sensory and motor,' is the correct answer as it accurately identifies the two main functional divisions of the peripheral nervous system. Choices B, 'Sympathetic and parasympathetic,' are divisions of the autonomic nervous system, not the peripheral nervous system. Choice C, 'Myelinated and unmyelinated,' refers to the structural classification of nerve fibers rather than functional divisions. Choice D, 'Central and peripheral,' contrasts the central nervous system with the peripheral nervous system, not further dividing the peripheral nervous system itself.

Similar Questions