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. Which of the following examples is a simple sentence?

• A. The man who wore a checked tie.
• B. The man with the checked tie.
• C. The man in the blue pin-striped suit and checked tie looked somewhat out of place at the party.
• D. The man in the blue pin-striped suit looked out of place because of his checked tie.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is sentence C because it is a simple sentence containing only one independent clause. It expresses a complete thought with a subject 'The man in the blue pin-striped suit and checked tie' and a predicate 'looked somewhat out of place at the party.' Choices A, B, and D are not simple sentences. Choice A is a dependent clause as it does not express a complete thought on its own. Choice B is a prepositional phrase and does not form a complete sentence. Choice D is a complex sentence with a dependent clause ('because of his checked tie') along with the independent clause.

3. What is the name of the curved bone in the back that provides support and attachment for muscles?

• A. Sternum
• B. Scapula
• C. Clavicle
• D. Vertebral column

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The vertebral column, also known as the spine, is the curved bone in the back that provides support and attachment for muscles. It consists of individual vertebrae stacked on top of each other, forming a flexible and protective structure for the spinal cord. The sternum, scapula, and clavicle are bones in the chest and shoulder regions, not in the back where the vertebral column is located. Therefore, the correct answer is the vertebral column (Option D). Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they are bones situated in the chest and shoulder areas, not in the back where the vertebral column is found.

4. What is the purpose of the italicized text in the passage?

• A. To show Madame Butterfly's title
• B. To emphasize an idea
• C. To format a heading
• D. To indicate the title of the opera

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The purpose of the italicized text is to indicate the title of the opera, Madame Butterfly. In the text, 'Madame Butterfly' is italicized to highlight that it refers to the title of the opera written by Giacomo Puccini. It does not serve to show Madame Butterfly's thoughts (choice A), emphasize an idea (choice B), or format a heading (choice C). The italicization is specifically used to identify the title of the opera within the passage.

5. Why does the author repeat the phrase 'I had a dream' throughout the text?

• A. To emphasize the speaker's excitement
• B. To persuade the audience
• C. To demonstrate the speaker's authority
• D. To create a rhythmic effect

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The repetition of 'I had a dream' in the text serves to emphasize the speaker's excitement and vision. By repeating this phrase, the author highlights the importance and impact of the dream, reinforcing the central theme of hope and aspiration. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the primary purpose of the repetition is not persuasion, demonstration of authority, or creating a rhythmic effect, but rather to underscore the speaker's emotions and aspirations.

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