the phrase survival of the fittest refers to

ATI TEAS 7

ati teas 7 science

1. What does the phrase 'survival of the fittest' refer to?

A. Organisms with the most complex anatomical structures are more likely to survive and reproduce.
B. Organisms that demonstrate the best adaptations to their environment have a higher chance of survival and reproduction.
C. All organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success regardless of their traits.
D. Only the strongest and most aggressive individuals within a population will survive and reproduce.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The phrase 'survival of the fittest' is often associated with the concept of natural selection, proposed by Charles Darwin. Natural selection is the process by which organisms best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to the next generation. This process does not necessarily favor the most complex anatomical structures (option A) or the strongest and most aggressive individuals (option D). Instead, it emphasizes the importance of adaptations that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. Option C is incorrect because natural selection results in differential reproductive success based on an organism's traits, meaning that not all organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success.

2. What is the main factor affecting the acceleration of a ball rolling down an inclined plane?

A. The material of the ball
B. The angle of the incline
C. The air resistance
D. The ball's initial velocity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main factor affecting the acceleration of a ball rolling down an inclined plane is the angle of the incline. The steeper the incline, the greater the component of the gravitational force acting parallel to the incline, leading to a higher acceleration of the ball. While the material of the ball, air resistance, and the ball's initial velocity may have some influence on the motion, the angle of the incline is the primary factor determining acceleration in this scenario. The material of the ball does not significantly affect its acceleration on the incline unless it impacts the friction with the surface. Air resistance plays a minor role in the acceleration of the ball compared to the gravitational force. The ball's initial velocity affects the speed at the start but does not influence the acceleration down the incline.

3. Which skin condition is characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed patches?

A. Eczema
B. Psoriasis
C. Melanoma
D. Keloid

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Eczema is a skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed patches. It is a common condition that can vary in severity and often presents with symptoms such as dry, scaly skin, and sometimes oozing or crusting. Psoriasis, on the other hand, presents with red, scaly patches but is not typically described as itchy. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer characterized by the development of abnormal moles, while keloid is a type of raised scar that can occur after an injury to the skin. Therefore, the correct answer is eczema due to its specific symptom presentation of red, itchy, and inflamed patches.

4. Differentiate between genotype and phenotype in the context of gene expression.

A. Genotype refers to the physical manifestation of a trait, while phenotype represents its underlying genetic makeup.
B. Genotype encompasses the spectrum of possible traits encoded by an organism's genes, while phenotype signifies the specific trait observed.
C. Genotype denotes the presence of dominant alleles, while phenotype reflects the influence of recessive alleles.
D. There is no distinction; both terms are interchangeable.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: - Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, including all the genes and alleles it possesses. - Phenotype, on the other hand, refers to the observable physical characteristics or traits of an organism, which result from the interaction between its genotype and the environment. - While genotype represents the genetic potential or range of traits that an organism can express, phenotype reflects the actual expression of specific traits. - Therefore, option B correctly captures the distinction between genotype and phenotype in the context of gene expression.

5. What happens to the acceleration of an object when the force acting on it is increased, assuming the mass remains constant?

A. Acceleration increases
B. Acceleration decreases
C. Acceleration remains constant
D. Acceleration becomes zero

Correct answer: A

Rationale: According to Newton's second law of motion, acceleration is directly proportional to the force acting on an object when the mass is constant. Therefore, if the force acting on an object is increased while the mass remains constant, the acceleration of the object will also increase. This relationship is described by the formula F = ma, where F is the force applied, m is the mass of the object, and a is the acceleration. When force increases, acceleration increases, and vice versa, as long as the mass stays the same. Choice B (Acceleration decreases) is incorrect because acceleration and force have a direct relationship. Choice C (Acceleration remains constant) is incorrect because acceleration changes in response to changes in force. Choice D (Acceleration becomes zero) is incorrect because increasing force does not make acceleration zero; it actually increases it.