the primary source of energy entering most ecosystems is

ATI TEAS 7

ati teas 7 science

1. What is the primary source of energy entering most ecosystems?

A. Chemical energy stored in bonds
B. Thermal energy from the Earth's core
C. Light energy from the sun
D. Kinetic energy from wind and water

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In most ecosystems, the primary source of energy is sunlight. This energy is captured by plants and other photosynthetic organisms through the process of photosynthesis. These organisms convert light energy into chemical energy stored in the bonds of organic molecules, such as glucose. This stored chemical energy is then passed on to other organisms in the ecosystem through the food chain, making sunlight the fundamental source of energy for most ecosystems. Thermal energy from the Earth's core (option B) is not a primary source of energy for ecosystems, as it is not readily accessible to most organisms. Kinetic energy from wind and water (option D) can play a role in some ecosystems, but it is not the primary source of energy. Chemical energy stored in bonds (option A) is a form of energy that is ultimately derived from the sun through photosynthesis, making it a product of the primary energy source rather than the primary source itself.

2. As a car accelerates from rest, what happens to its kinetic energy and the work done on it?

A. Both kinetic energy and work done increase.
B. Kinetic energy increases, but work done remains constant.
C. Work done increases, but kinetic energy remains constant.
D. Both kinetic energy and work done remain constant.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a car accelerates from rest, its speed and kinetic energy increase. The work done on the car is what increases its kinetic energy, so both kinetic energy and work done increase simultaneously. Option A is correct because acceleration results in an increase in both kinetic energy and the work done on the car. Option B is incorrect because work done is required to increase kinetic energy during acceleration. Option C is incorrect as work done is directly related to the change in kinetic energy. Option D is incorrect as both kinetic energy and work done increase when the car accelerates.

3. Which of the following is a function of the liver?

A. Producing digestive enzymes
B. Storing bile
C. Filtering waste products from the blood
D. Transporting nutrients to cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct function of the liver is to store bile. Bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder until it is needed to aid in the digestion of fats. While the liver does produce bile, its primary role is to store and release it. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Producing digestive enzymes is mainly the function of the pancreas, filtering waste products from the blood is primarily done by the kidneys, and transporting nutrients to cells is typically associated with the circulatory system rather than the liver.

4. What role does DNA play in evolution?

A. It stores genetic information that can be passed on to offspring.
B. It allows for mutations that can introduce new variations.
C. It regulates the expression of genes that influence traits.
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) DNA stores genetic information that is passed on from parents to offspring through the process of reproduction. This genetic information contains instructions for the development and functioning of an organism. It serves as the hereditary material that carries the blueprint for an organism's traits and characteristics, allowing for the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next. B) DNA can undergo mutations, which are changes in the genetic sequence. These mutations can introduce new variations in the DNA, leading to genetic diversity within a population. These variations are essential for natural selection and adaptation to changing environments. C) DNA plays a crucial role in regulating the expression of genes. Gene expression determines which proteins are produced in an organism, influencing its traits and characteristics. By controlling gene expression, DNA contributes to the development and maintenance of an organism's traits. D) Therefore, DNA is involved in all of the above processes, making it a key factor in evolution by driving genetic variation, inheritance, and gene expression. The interplay of these functions allows for the diversity and adaptation of species over time, shaping the evolutionary process.

5. In nuclear physics, the term 'barn' is a unit commonly used to quantify:

A. Energy
B. Radioactivity
C. Nuclear cross-section
D. Half-life

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In nuclear physics, the term 'barn' is a unit used to quantify nuclear cross-section. Nuclear cross-section is a measure of the probability of a nuclear reaction occurring when an atomic nucleus interacts with a particle or another nucleus. The barn is a unit of area equal to 10^-28 square meters; it is commonly used to describe the cross-sectional area of atomic nuclei for nuclear reactions. Choice A, 'Energy,' is incorrect because a barn is not a unit for measuring energy; it is a unit of area. Choice B, 'Radioactivity,' is incorrect as radioactivity is typically measured in units like becquerels. Choice D, 'Half-life,' is also incorrect as half-life is a measure of the time it takes for half of a substance to decay, not related to the concept of a barn as a unit of nuclear cross-section.