the gradual change in a species over time in response to environmental pressures is best described by

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Test 7 science quizlet

1. Which term best describes the gradual change in a species over time in response to environmental pressures?

A. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
B. Gradualism (slow and continuous change)
C. Founder effect (genetic drift in a small population)
D. Adaptive radiation (rapid diversification of a species)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by long periods of stability, rather than gradual change over time in response to environmental pressures. B) Gradualism is the process by which species evolve through slow and continuous changes over time in response to environmental pressures. This gradual change can lead to the development of new traits and adaptations. C) Founder effect is a type of genetic drift that occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population, leading to a loss of genetic variation compared to the original population. It does not specifically describe the gradual change in a species over time. D) Adaptive radiation is the rapid diversification of a species into a variety of forms to exploit different ecological niches, but it does not specifically refer to the gradual change in response to environmental pressures. Therefore, the term that best describes the gradual change in a species over time in response to environmental pressures is 'Gradualism.'

2. Identify the element with the electron configuration: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6. To which group and period does this element belong?

A. Group 16, Period 3
B. Group 14, Period 3
C. Group 18, Period 3
D. Group 17, Period 2

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The given electron configuration matches that of Argon, an element found in Group 18 of the periodic table. This element is in the third period, as indicated by the highest energy level (n=3) where electrons are present. Therefore, the correct answer is Group 18, Period 3. Choice A (Group 16, Period 3) corresponds to sulfur, not the given electron configuration. Choice B (Group 14, Period 3) corresponds to silicon, not the given electron configuration. Choice D (Group 17, Period 2) corresponds to chlorine, which is in Period 3 but not in Group 18, making it incorrect for the given electron configuration.

3. Which of the following statements about prions is TRUE?

A. They are composed of proteins only
B. They are easily destroyed by common disinfectants
C. hey are a type of antibiotic
D. They are a live organism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A) This statement is true. Prions are infectious agents composed entirely of protein, lacking nucleic acids such as DNA or RNA. They are known for causing neurodegenerative diseases in animals and humans. B) This statement is false. Prions are not easily destroyed by common disinfectants due to their unique structure and resistance to conventional sterilization methods. C) This statement is false. Prions are not a type of antibiotic. They are a distinct class of infectious agents. D) This statement is false. Prions are not live organisms but rather misfolded proteins that can induce abnormal folding in normal proteins, leading to disease.

4. 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.

5. Which of the following statements is NOT true of most metals?

A. Most of them are good conductors of heat.
B. Most of them are gases at room temperature.
C. Most of them are ductile.
D. They make up the majority of elements on the periodic table.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because most metals are not gases at room temperature; they are usually solid and good conductors of heat. Metals are generally known for being good conductors of heat, ductile, and making up the majority of elements on the periodic table. Choice A is correct as metals, in general, are good conductors of heat. Choice C is also correct as most metals exhibit ductility. Choice D is correct as metals constitute the majority of elements found on the periodic table.