Nursing Elites

1. The fossil record shows that dinosaurs with feathers existed millions of years before birds. This is evidence for

• A. Convergent evolution (unrelated organisms evolving similar traits)
• B. Divergent evolution (related organisms evolving different traits)
• C. Coevolution (two species influencing each other's evolution)
• D. The extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid impact

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The fossil record indicates that dinosaurs had feathers before birds, suggesting convergent evolution. Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits to adapt to similar environmental pressures. In this case, both dinosaurs and birds developed feathers for flight or insulation purposes, even though they are not closely related. This evidence supports the concept of convergent evolution rather than divergent evolution, coevolution, or the extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid impact. Therefore, the correct answer is A, as it best explains the scenario where dinosaurs with feathers existed before birds, showcasing the concept of unrelated organisms evolving similar traits independently.

2. Which element is a critical component of DNA and RNA, essential for storing and transmitting genetic information?

• A. Oxygen
• B. Carbon
• C. Nitrogen
• D. Hydrogen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Carbon is the correct answer as it is a critical element in DNA and RNA, forming the backbone of these molecules. Its ability to form diverse bonds allows for efficient storage and transmission of genetic information. Oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen are also present in DNA and RNA but do not serve as the primary backbone element for these molecules. Oxygen is involved in the structure but not as the backbone element. Nitrogen is present in the bases of nucleotides, and hydrogen bonds help stabilize the structure.

3. Which of the following is an example of a commensal relationship between a microorganism and a human?

• A. Salmonella causing food poisoning
• B. taphylococcus aureus causing skin infections
• C. coli living in the gut
• D. Rabies virus causing neurological disease

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A commensal relationship is a type of symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits, while the other is neither harmed nor benefited. In this case, E. coli living in the gut is an example of a commensal relationship because it can benefit from the environment in the gut without causing harm to the human host. Option A, Salmonella causing food poisoning, is an example of a pathogenic relationship where the microorganism causes harm to the host. Option B, Staphylococcus aureus causing skin infections, is also an example of a pathogenic relationship where the microorganism causes harm to the host. Option D, Rabies virus causing neurological disease, is another example of a pathogenic relationship where the microorganism causes harm to the host.

4. Urine, the liquid waste product of the body, travels from the kidneys to the bladder through tubes called:

• A. Ureters
• B. Urethra
• C. Nephrons
• D. Renal pelvis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Ureters.' Ureters are tubes that connect each kidney to the bladder. They transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder for storage before excretion. The urethra, which is not the correct answer, is responsible for carrying urine from the bladder out of the body. Nephrons, another incorrect choice, are microscopic units within the kidneys that filter blood and produce urine. The renal pelvis, also an incorrect choice, is a structure in the kidney where urine collects before moving into the ureters for further passage to the bladder.

5. Which of the following is a constant?

• A. The number of protons in an oxygen atom
• B. The temperature at which iron ore will melt
• C. The human population size
• D. The time the sun rises each day

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The number of protons in an oxygen atom is a constant. This value is determined by the atomic number of the element and does not change regardless of the isotope of oxygen. The number of protons defines the element and remains consistent under normal conditions. Choices B, C, and D are not constants. The temperature at which iron ore will melt can vary depending on factors like pressure, the human population size is constantly changing, and the time the sun rises each day varies with the seasons and location.

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