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 describes a vector quantity?

• A. Speed
• B. Distance
• C. Mass
• D. Velocity

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Velocity is a vector quantity as it encompasses both magnitude (speed) and direction. When describing the motion of an object, it is crucial to consider both aspects. Speed (option A) is a scalar quantity, representing only the magnitude of motion without indicating direction. Distance (option B) is also a scalar quantity, indicating the extent of an object's motion without considering direction. Mass (option C) is a scalar quantity, measuring the amount of matter in an object and not involving direction.

3. What is the coefficient of oxygen in the balanced chemical equation for the combustion of methane (CH₄)?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the balanced chemical equation for the combustion of methane, CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O, the coefficient of oxygen (O₂) is 2. This indicates that two molecules of oxygen are required to react with one molecule of methane to produce carbon dioxide and water, ensuring the equation is balanced. Choice A is incorrect because the coefficient of oxygen is not 1 but 2. Choices C and D are incorrect as they do not represent the correct coefficient of oxygen in the balanced equation. Understanding the coefficients in a balanced chemical equation is crucial for accurately representing the stoichiometry of the reaction.

4. What is the name of the master gland that regulates the function of many other endocrine glands?

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Pituitary gland
• C. Hypothalamus
• D. Adrenal gland

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pituitary gland is commonly referred to as the master gland because it controls the functions of numerous other endocrine glands in the body. It secretes various hormones that are essential for regulating processes like growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response. The thyroid gland (Choice A) primarily regulates metabolism and does not oversee other endocrine glands. The hypothalamus (Choice C) plays a role in regulating the pituitary gland but is not the master gland. The adrenal gland (Choice D) produces hormones related to stress response but is not considered the master gland that regulates other endocrine glands.

5. Which type of tissue provides support and structure to the body?

• A. Muscle tissue
• B. Connective tissue
• C. Nervous tissue
• D. Epithelial tissue

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Connective tissue is the correct answer as it provides support, structure, and strength to the body by holding tissues and organs in place. Muscle tissue is primarily responsible for movement, nervous tissue for communication, and epithelial tissue for covering and lining surfaces. While muscle tissue allows for voluntary and involuntary movement, nervous tissue transmits electrical signals, and epithelial tissue acts as a protective barrier and is involved in absorption and secretion. Therefore, in the context of providing support and structure, connective tissue is the most appropriate choice.

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