Nursing Elites

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. Which of the following neurotransmitters slows down the activity of neurons to prevent overexcitation?

• A. Acetylcholine
• B. Dopamine
• C. GABA
• D. Serotonin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows down neuronal activity, helping to prevent overexcitation in the brain. It counterbalances the effects of excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of neuronal activity in the brain. Acetylcholine (Choice A) is primarily an excitatory neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement and cognitive functions. Dopamine (Choice B) plays a role in reward-motivated behavior and motor control. Serotonin (Choice D) is involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep but is not primarily responsible for slowing down neuronal activity to prevent overexcitation.

3. Which blood component is responsible for the production of antibodies?

• A. Platelets
• B. Red blood cells
• C. White blood cells
• D. Plasma cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: White blood cells, specifically B lymphocytes or B cells, are responsible for producing antibodies as part of the immune response. When the body encounters foreign substances (antigens), B cells are activated to differentiate into plasma cells, which then produce antibodies to target and neutralize the antigens. Platelets are involved in blood clotting and not in antibody production. Red blood cells are primarily responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood and do not produce antibodies. Plasma cells are actually differentiated B cells that produce antibodies, but the question asks for the blood component responsible for the production of antibodies, which is the white blood cells.

4. What is the coefficient of oxygen in the balanced chemical equation for the combustion of methane (CH₄)?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the balanced chemical equation for the combustion of methane, CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O, the coefficient of oxygen (O₂) is 2. This indicates that two molecules of oxygen are required to react with one molecule of methane to produce carbon dioxide and water, ensuring the equation is balanced. Choice A is incorrect because the coefficient of oxygen is not 1 but 2. Choices C and D are incorrect as they do not represent the correct coefficient of oxygen in the balanced equation. Understanding the coefficients in a balanced chemical equation is crucial for accurately representing the stoichiometry of the reaction.

5. 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.

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