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. A patient's body is not properly filtering blood. Which of the following body parts is most likely malfunctioning?

A. Medulla
B. Heart
C. Nephrons
D. Renal cortex

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood and removing waste products to form urine. If a patient's body is not properly filtering blood, it is most likely due to dysfunction or impairment in the nephrons of the kidneys. The heart is responsible for pumping blood, not filtering it, making choice B incorrect. The medulla and renal cortex are specific parts of the kidney but do not directly perform the filtration function carried out by the nephrons, making choices A and D incorrect.

3. The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that perform several vital functions. Which of the following is NOT a primary function of the kidneys?

A. Filtering waste products from the blood
B. Regulating blood pressure
C. Producing red blood cells
D. Maintaining water balance in the body

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The kidneys do not produce red blood cells. This function is carried out by the bone marrow. The primary functions of the kidneys include filtering waste products from the blood, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining water balance in the body. Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, not in the kidneys. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they are primary functions of the kidneys, which involve filtering waste products, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining water balance in the body, respectively.

4. Which plane divides the body into left and right halves?

A. Sagittal/Median Plane
B. Frontal/Coronal Plane
C. Transverse/Cross-Section Plane
D. Horizontal Plane

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sagittal/Median Plane. This plane divides the body into left and right halves. The Frontal/Coronal Plane (choice B) divides the body into front and back, while the Transverse/Cross-Section Plane (choice C) divides it into top and bottom. The Horizontal Plane (choice D) divides the body into upper and lower portions. Understanding these planes is essential in anatomy as they help describe the orientation and relationships of body structures.

5. Which of the following is a strong acid?

A. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH)
B. Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
C. Citric acid
D. Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid because it completely ionizes in water to produce hydrogen ions, leading to a high concentration of H⁺ ions in solution. This characteristic makes it a strong acid. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH), citric acid, and carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) are weak acids as they only partially ionize in water, resulting in a lower concentration of H⁺ ions compared to strong acids. Therefore, hydrochloric acid is the correct choice as a strong acid.