Nursing Elites

1. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a population that is:

• A. Undergoing rapid evolution due to strong directional selection.
• B. Not evolving and at genetic equilibrium with stable allele frequencies.
• C. Experiencing a founder effect leading to a reduction in genetic diversity.
• D. Dominated by a single homozygous genotype that eliminates all variation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a theoretical population in which allele frequencies remain constant from generation to generation, indicating that the population is not evolving. This equilibrium occurs under specific conditions: no mutation, no gene flow, random mating, a large population size, and no natural selection. In this scenario, all genotypes are in proportion to the allele frequencies, and genetic diversity is maintained. Options A, C, and D do not accurately describe a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option A suggests rapid evolution due to strong directional selection, which would disrupt the equilibrium. Option C mentions a founder effect, which can reduce genetic diversity but is not a characteristic of a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option D describes a population dominated by a single homozygous genotype, which also does not align with the genetic diversity seen in a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

2. After the Industrial Revolution, the population of peppered moths in England shifted towards more dark moths. This is an example of:

• A. Artificial selection (selective breeding by humans for desired traits)
• B. Natural selection acting on pre-existing variation
• C. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
• D. Lamarckism (inheritance of acquired characteristics)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The shift in the peppered moth population towards more dark moths in England after the Industrial Revolution exemplifies natural selection acting on pre-existing variation. Initially, light-colored moths were well-camouflaged against lichen-covered tree trunks, but with industrial pollution darkening the tree trunks, dark-colored moths gained a survival advantage. This change reflects how the environment favored dark moths over light ones, illustrating natural selection. The process illustrates how organisms with traits advantageous in a changing environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the prevalence of those traits in the population over time. The choices of artificial selection (A), punctuated equilibrium (C), and Lamarckism (D) are not applicable in this scenario. Artificial selection involves intentional breeding by humans, punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by periods of stability, and Lamarckism suggests the inheritance of acquired characteristics, none of which align with the observed shift in moth populations based on environmental changes.

3. If the pressure in the pulmonary artery is increased above normal, which chamber of the heart will be affected first?

• A. The right atrium
• B. The left atrium
• C. The right ventricle
• D. The left ventricle

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When the pressure in the pulmonary artery is increased above normal, the right ventricle of the heart will be affected first. The right ventricle is responsible for pumping blood into the pulmonary artery, which carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation. Increased pressure in the pulmonary artery can result in increased workload on the right ventricle as it tries to pump blood against higher resistance, leading to potential strain and dysfunction in the right ventricle. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the right ventricle is the chamber directly connected to the pulmonary artery, and it bears the immediate impact of any changes in pressure within this artery. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body and the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs, while the left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the body and the right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs.

4. What is the fundamental unit of the nervous system?

• A. Neuron
• B. Nerve
• C. Ganglion
• D. Neuroglia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neuron. Neurons are the fundamental building blocks of the nervous system. These specialized cells play a crucial role in transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals. While nerves are comprised of bundles of neurons and ganglia consist of clusters of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system, neuroglia serve as support cells for neurons. Neurons are specifically responsible for processing and transmitting information within the nervous system, making them the essential unit of this complex system. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as nerves are bundles of neurons, ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies outside the central nervous system, and neuroglia are support cells for neurons, not the fundamental units responsible for information processing and transmission.

5. What hormones are produced in the ovaries, and what are their functions?

• A. Insulin: regulates blood sugar levels
• B. Progesterone: stimulates uterine lining growth
• C. Adrenaline: increases heart rate
• D. Cortisol: regulates stress response

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Progesterone, produced in the ovaries, stimulates uterine lining growth and plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle. Insulin is produced in the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels, not in the ovaries. Adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands and increases heart rate in response to stress or danger, not in the ovaries. Cortisol, also produced by the adrenal glands, helps regulate the body's response to stress, not in the ovaries.

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