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 is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing a vast amount of energy called?

• A. Nuclear fusion
• B. Nuclear fission
• C. Radioactive decay
• D. Chain reaction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nuclear fission. Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing a vast amount of energy. This process is commonly used in nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons. It is a controlled chain reaction that generates energy. Option A, Nuclear fusion, is the process of combining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy. This process powers the sun and other stars. Option C, Radioactive decay, is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. Option D, Chain reaction, is a self-sustaining reaction where the products of one reaction event stimulate further reaction events. While chain reactions can occur in both nuclear fission and fusion, the specific process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller ones is known as nuclear fission.

3. Which epithelial tissue type is the outermost layer of your skin an example of?

• A. Simple cuboidal
• B. Stratified squamous
• C. Simple columnar
• D. Stratified columnar

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, is composed of stratified squamous epithelial tissue. This type of tissue is well-suited for protection against mechanical stress and dehydration, making it ideal for the skin's barrier function. Simple cuboidal (Choice A) epithelial tissue is found in areas where secretion and absorption occur, such as kidney tubules. Simple columnar (Choice C) epithelial tissue lines the digestive tract, providing a large surface area for absorption. Stratified columnar (Choice D) epithelial tissue is less common and is found in limited regions like parts of the male urethra and ducts of some glands, but not in the outermost layer of the skin.

4. Which of the following is the antiparticle of a neutron?

• A. Antineutrino
• B. Positron
• C. Antiproton
• D. Electron

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The antiparticle of a neutron is an antineutron, which is composed of an antiproton and an antineutrino. The antineutrino (choice A) is not the antiparticle of a neutron. A positron (choice B) is the antiparticle of an electron, not a neutron. An electron (choice D) is a fundamental particle, not an antiparticle. Therefore, the correct answer is an antiproton (choice C), as it forms an antineutron when combined with an antineutrino.

5. How do isotopes affect the atomic mass of an element?

• A. Isotopes have no effect on the atomic mass of an element.
• B. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly.
• C. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to be exactly the same for all isotopes of that element.
• D. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary greatly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Since the atomic mass of an element is the weighted average of the masses of its isotopes, the presence of isotopes causes the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly. This variation occurs because different isotopes have different masses due to their varying numbers of neutrons. The atomic mass is affected by the abundance of each isotope, leading to a slight fluctuation in the overall atomic mass of the element. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes do influence the atomic mass. Choice C is incorrect because isotopes have different masses, affecting the overall atomic mass. Choice D is incorrect as isotopes typically do not cause a significant variation in atomic mass, but rather a slight fluctuation.

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