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 sugar is heated, it breaks down into carbon and water vapor. This is an example of a:

• A. Combination reaction
• B. Decomposition reaction
• C. Double displacement reaction
• D. Single displacement reaction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decomposition reaction. When sugar is heated, it undergoes a decomposition reaction where it breaks down into simpler substances, carbon, and water vapor. In a decomposition reaction, a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. This process is the opposite of a combination reaction where two or more substances combine to form a new compound. Choice A, Combination reaction, is incorrect because a combination reaction involves the combination of two or more substances to form a new compound, which is the opposite of what happens when sugar breaks down. Choices C and D, Double displacement reaction and Single displacement reaction, are incorrect as they involve different mechanisms where the atoms or ions of the reactants are exchanged, which is not the case in the breakdown of sugar into carbon and water vapor.

3. Which gland in the endocrine system is responsible for the production of red blood cells?

• A. Pituitary gland
• B. Thyroid gland
• C. Thymus gland
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Red blood cells are not produced by any of the glands listed in the options. Instead, red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. The pituitary gland is known as the 'master gland' and controls several other endocrine glands but is not responsible for red blood cell production. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism and growth, not red blood cell production. The thymus gland is responsible for the production of T-cells, which are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response. The parathyroid gland regulates calcium levels in the body, not red blood cell production. Therefore, none of the glands listed are responsible for the production of red blood cells.

4. Which locations in the digestive system are sites of chemical digestion? I. Mouth II. Stomach III. Small Intestine

• A. II only
• B. III only
• C. II and III only
• D. I, II, and III

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Chemical digestion occurs in all three locations in the digestive system - the mouth, stomach, and small intestine. Enzymes in the saliva break down carbohydrates in the mouth, gastric juices in the stomach help break down proteins, and enzymes in the small intestine further break down macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The mouth initiates the digestion of carbohydrates, the stomach digests proteins, and the small intestine continues the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Choice A is incorrect because chemical digestion does occur in the mouth. Choice B is incorrect as both the stomach and small intestine are sites of chemical digestion. Choice C is incorrect as the mouth is also a location of chemical digestion, not just the stomach and small intestine.

5. What is the unit of measurement for momentum?

• A. Newton-second (N·s)
• B. Kilogram-meter (kg·m)
• C. Joule (J)
• D. Meter per second (m/s)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct unit of measurement for momentum is Newton-second (N·s). Momentum is calculated as the product of an object's mass and its velocity. The unit of mass is kilograms (kg) and the unit of velocity is meters per second (m/s). Therefore, the unit of momentum is kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s). By Newton's second law of motion (F = ma), force is measured in Newtons (N), which is equivalent to kg·m/s². Multiplying the unit of force (N) by the unit of time (s) gives the unit of momentum as Newton-second (N·s). Choice B, Kilogram-meter (kg·m), is incorrect because it represents the unit of work or energy, not momentum. Choice C, Joule (J), is incorrect as it is a unit of energy. Choice D, Meter per second (m/s), is incorrect as it represents velocity alone, not momentum which is a vector quantity involving mass and velocity.

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