Nursing Elites

1. The average life expectancy at birth in the United States at the beginning of the 21st century was about 75 years. The average life expectancy at birth in the middle of the 19th century was only about 40 years. Which of the following factors are likely to have contributed to the longer life expectancy in the 21st century? (Select the one that does not apply)

• A. The human body has evolved to become more resilient to its environment.
• B. There have been numerous advances in medical technology and treatments.
• C. Higher standards of basic cleanliness have helped people avoid illness.
• D. The creation of vaccines has nearly eliminated certain diseases that were once deadly.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Medical advances, higher standards of cleanliness, and the creation of vaccines have all significantly contributed to the increase in life expectancy over time. While human evolution plays a role in adaptation to the environment over millennia, it is not a primary factor that has led to the substantial increase in life expectancy within a few centuries. The human body's evolution is a slow process that occurs over generations, while the advancements in medical technology, cleanliness, and vaccines have had a more immediate and direct impact on improving life expectancy.

2. The process by which two or more species reciprocally influence each other's evolution through selection pressures exerted on one another is called:

• A. Convergent evolution
• B. Divergent evolution
• C. Coevolution
• D. Coevolution

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Convergent evolution refers to the process by which unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures. This does not involve reciprocal influence between species. B) Divergent evolution refers to the process by which two or more related species become more dissimilar over time due to different selection pressures. This also does not involve reciprocal influence between species. C) Coevolution is the process by which two or more species reciprocally influence each other's evolution through selection pressures exerted on one another. This can lead to a close ecological relationship between the species, such as in predator-prey interactions or mutualistic relationships. D) This option is a duplicate of option C.

3. Which organ is primarily responsible for detoxification in the body?

• A. Kidney
• B. Liver
• C. Lung
• D. Heart

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The liver is the primary organ responsible for detoxifying chemicals and metabolizing drugs in the body. It plays a crucial role in breaking down toxins, filtering blood, and producing bile, making it essential for overall detoxification processes. The kidney primarily filters waste and excess substances from the blood to form urine. Lungs are responsible for gas exchange, not detoxification. The heart is responsible for pumping blood and does not play a direct role in detoxification processes.

4. What is the term for a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring?

• A. Genus
• B. Phylum
• C. Kingdom
• D. Species

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A species is defined as a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, which is a fundamental concept in biology. This ability to interbreed and produce fertile offspring is a key characteristic that distinguishes one species from another. Genus (option A) refers to a taxonomic rank that includes one or more closely related species, not the ability to interbreed. Phylum (option B) and kingdom (option C) are higher taxonomic ranks that encompass a broader range of organisms, not specifically defined by interbreeding and fertile offspring production. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Species.'

5. What happens to the wavelength of a wave when its frequency increases while the speed remains constant?

• A. Wavelength increases
• B. Wavelength decreases
• C. Wavelength remains the same
• D. Wavelength becomes zero

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When the speed of a wave is constant and the frequency increases, the wavelength must decrease to keep the speed constant. The speed of a wave is determined by the product of frequency and wavelength (speed = frequency x wavelength). If the frequency increases while the speed remains constant, the wavelength has to decrease proportionally to maintain the speed unchanged. Therefore, as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases to ensure that the speed of the wave remains constant. Choice A is incorrect because as frequency increases, wavelength decreases. Choice C is incorrect as the wavelength cannot remain the same when frequency increases while speed is constant. Choice D is incorrect as the wavelength cannot become zero under these conditions.

Similar Questions