the concept of punctuated equilibrium suggests that

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Test 7 science

1. What does the concept of punctuated equilibrium suggest?

A. Evolution occurs gradually through the continuous accumulation of small changes over long periods.
B. Evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change.
C. The fossil record is a complete and accurate representation of all past life forms.
D. Natural selection primarily favors extreme phenotypes within a population.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Punctuated equilibrium suggests that evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change. This concept, proposed by Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge, implies that species remain relatively unchanged for extended periods, followed by sudden bursts of rapid evolution. Option A describes the gradualism model, which is different from punctuated equilibrium. Option C is inaccurate as the fossil record is incomplete and biased. Option D is unrelated to the concept of punctuated equilibrium.

2. Which bones are included in the axial skeleton?

A. Head, neck, and trunk
B. Arms and legs
C. Hands and feet
D. All of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Head, neck, and trunk. The axial skeleton comprises bones located in the head, neck, and trunk region, such as the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage. These bones provide structural support and protect vital organs like the brain, spinal cord, and heart. Choices B and C are incorrect because arms, legs, hands, and feet are part of the appendicular skeleton, not the axial skeleton. The appendicular skeleton is responsible for movement, manipulation, and mobility, while the axial skeleton primarily provides central support and protection for essential organs.

3. What is the net force acting on a car traveling at a constant speed on a straight road?

A. A force equal to its weight pushing upwards
B. A force equal to its weight pushing downwards
C. A force equal to its engine power pushing forward
D. No net force

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a car is traveling at a constant speed on a straight road, it indicates that the forces acting on the car are balanced. In this scenario, there is no acceleration or deceleration, meaning the net force on the car is zero. If there was a net force present, it would cause the car to either accelerate or decelerate. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because in a situation where a car is moving at a constant speed, the forces are balanced, and there is no unbalanced force acting in any specific direction.

4. What is the process of breaking down glucose into pyruvate called?

A. Glycolysis
B. Gluconeogenesis
C. Krebs cycle
D. Oxidative phosphorylation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A) Glycolysis is the process of breaking down glucose into pyruvate. This occurs in the cytoplasm of cells and is the first step in cellular respiration. B) Gluconeogenesis is the process of synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids or glycerol, and is the opposite of glycolysis. C) The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, is a series of chemical reactions that occur in the mitochondria and is involved in the oxidation of acetyl-CoA to produce ATP and other energy carriers. D) Oxidative phosphorylation is the final stage of cellular respiration where ATP is produced through the transfer of electrons in the electron transport chain.

5. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of living organisms?

A. Made up of cells
B. Able to reproduce
C. Require energy
D. Non-motile

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Made up of cells: All living organisms are composed of one or more cells, a fundamental characteristic of life as defined by cell theory. B) Able to reproduce: Reproduction is a key characteristic of living organisms to pass on genetic information. C) Require energy: Energy is essential for carrying out life processes like growth and maintenance of homeostasis. D) Non-motile: While some living organisms are non-motile, movement is common in many organisms for survival activities like finding food, escaping predators, and responding to the environment. Therefore, being non-motile is not a universal characteristic of living organisms, making it the correct answer in this context.