Nursing Elites

1. Scientists compare the DNA of different organisms to understand evolutionary relationships. What is this type of evidence called?

• A. Morphological evidence (comparing body structures)
• B. Biochemical evidence (comparing molecules like proteins)
• C. Geographic distribution evidence (where organisms live)
• D. Genetic evidence (comparing DNA sequences)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Morphological evidence involves comparing body structures of organisms, which can provide information about evolutionary relationships based on physical similarities and differences. However, DNA comparison is a more direct and accurate method for understanding evolutionary relationships. B) Biochemical evidence involves comparing molecules like proteins, which can also provide insights into evolutionary relationships. However, DNA comparison is considered more reliable due to the direct relationship between DNA sequences and genetic information. C) Geographic distribution evidence refers to where organisms live and how their distribution may provide clues about evolutionary history. While this can be informative, it is not as direct or specific as comparing DNA sequences. D) Genetic evidence involves comparing DNA sequences of different organisms to understand their evolutionary relationships. DNA comparison is a powerful tool in evolutionary biology because it provides direct information about genetic similarities and differences, offering precise insights into evolutionary relationships.

2. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a population that is:

• A. Undergoing rapid evolution due to strong directional selection.
• B. Not evolving and at genetic equilibrium with stable allele frequencies.
• C. Experiencing a founder effect leading to a reduction in genetic diversity.
• D. Dominated by a single homozygous genotype that eliminates all variation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a theoretical population in which allele frequencies remain constant from generation to generation, indicating that the population is not evolving. This equilibrium occurs under specific conditions: no mutation, no gene flow, random mating, a large population size, and no natural selection. In this scenario, all genotypes are in proportion to the allele frequencies, and genetic diversity is maintained. Options A, C, and D do not accurately describe a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option A suggests rapid evolution due to strong directional selection, which would disrupt the equilibrium. Option C mentions a founder effect, which can reduce genetic diversity but is not a characteristic of a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option D describes a population dominated by a single homozygous genotype, which also does not align with the genetic diversity seen in a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

3. What type of joint is found in the shoulder and hip, allowing for a wide range of motion?

• A. Hinge joint
• B. Ball-and-socket joint
• C. Pivot joint
• D. Saddle joint

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ball-and-socket joint. A ball-and-socket joint, like those in the shoulder and hip, allows for a wide range of motion. In a ball-and-socket joint, the rounded end of one bone fits into the cup-like socket of another bone, enabling movement in multiple directions. Choice A, Hinge joint, is incorrect because hinge joints allow movement only in one plane, like a door hinge. Choice C, Pivot joint, is incorrect as it allows rotational movement around a single axis, not the wide range of motion seen in the shoulder and hip. Choice D, Saddle joint, is also incorrect as it allows movement in multiple directions but to a lesser extent compared to the ball-and-socket joint.

4. Four different groups of the same species of peas are grown and exposed to differing levels of sunlight, water, and fertilizer as documented in the table below. The data in the water and fertilizer columns indicate how many times the peas are watered or fertilized per week, respectively. Group 2 is the only group that withered. What is a reasonable explanation for this occurrence? Group Sunlight Water Fertilizer 1 partial sun 4 mL/hr 1 2 full sun 7 mL/hr 1 3 no sun 14 mL/hr 2 4 partial sun 3 mL/hr 2

• A. Insects gnawed away at the stem of the plant.
• B. The roots rotted due to poor drainage.
• C. The soil type had nutritional deficiencies.
• D. This species of peas does not thrive in full sunlight.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Group 2, the only group that withered, was exposed to full sun. This suggests that the species of peas being studied does not thrive in full sunlight, leading to its deterioration compared to the other groups with different light exposures. Choices A, B, and C are not the correct explanations for the withering of Group 2. There is no mention of insects in the stem, poor drainage, or soil nutritional deficiencies in the scenario provided. The key factor that sets Group 2 apart from the others is the full sunlight exposure, indicating that the species of peas is not suited for such conditions.

5. Where does fertilization, the fusion of sperm and egg, typically occur in the female reproductive system?

• A. Ovary
• B. Fallopian tube
• C. Uterus
• D. Vagina

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tube. After ovulation, the egg is released from the ovary and travels through the fallopian tube, where it may encounter sperm for fertilization. The fallopian tube is the site where the sperm fertilizes the egg before the fertilized egg continues its journey towards the uterus for implantation. The ovary is where the egg is produced but not where fertilization occurs. The uterus is where the fertilized egg implants and develops into a fetus, not where fertilization takes place. The vagina is part of the birth canal and not the typical site for fertilization in the female reproductive system.

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