Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following basic mechanisms of evolution is described as the process where organisms with an advantageous trait survive more often and produce more offspring than organisms without the advantageous trait?

• A. gene flow
• B. genetic drift
• C. mutation
• D. natural selection

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Natural selection is the basic mechanism of evolution that explains how organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce in a given environment. This leads to the passing on of these favorable traits to their offspring, causing these traits to become more common in the population over time, resulting in evolutionary change. Natural selection is driven by environmental pressures that support the survival and reproduction of individuals with specific traits. Gene flow refers to the movement of genes between populations, genetic drift is the change in allele frequencies due to random events, and mutation is the source of genetic variation but is not the process by which advantageous traits become more prevalent in a population.

2. Which of these pairs represents an example of convergent evolution?

• A. Humans and chimpanzees
• B. Bats and birds
• C. Dolphins and sharks
• D. Snakes and earthworms

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Convergent evolution refers to the process by which different species independently evolve similar traits or characteristics due to similar environmental pressures. In the case of bats and birds, both have evolved wings for flight despite not sharing a recent common ancestor with wings. Bats are mammals, while birds are avians, yet they both have wings adapted for flight, which is a classic example of convergent evolution. A) Humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor and have not independently evolved similar traits. C) Dolphins and sharks are not closely related, and their similarities are due to adaptations to their aquatic environment rather than convergent evolution. D) Snakes and earthworms belong to different classes (reptiles and annelids, respectively) and do not share recent common ancestors, making their similarities not a result of convergent evolution.

3. When a certain plant is introduced into an area, and the population of a certain insect species declines, what can be concluded from this?

• A. The plant is toxic to the insect in question.
• B. The plant competes with and drives out plants that the insect feeds on.
• C. The insect population was declining anyway; the fact that it happened when the plant was introduced is a coincidence.
• D. All of these explanations may be possible; further investigation is necessary to determine which is true.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The given scenario presents multiple possible explanations for the decline in the insect population with the introduction of a particular plant. It could be due to the plant being toxic to the insect (Option A), competing with and driving out plants that the insect feeds on (Option B), or the decline could be coincidental with the plant introduction as the insect population was already decreasing (Option C). Without further investigation and evidence, it is not possible to definitively determine which explanation is correct. Therefore, all of these possibilities may be true, and thorough investigation is necessary to reach a conclusive conclusion.

4. What are the two primary functions of the respiratory system?

• A. Delivering nutrients and removing CO2
• B. Delivering O2 and removing CO2, maintaining blood pH
• C. Maintaining blood pH and delivering nutrients
• D. Delivering O2 and nutrients to the cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The respiratory system's primary functions include delivering oxygen (O2) to the body's cells for cellular respiration and removing carbon dioxide (CO2), thereby aiding in the maintenance of blood pH. These functions are crucial for gas exchange and the overall metabolic processes within the body. Choice A is incorrect as the respiratory system primarily delivers O2, not nutrients, and removes CO2, not delivering it. Choice C is incorrect as while the respiratory system helps maintain blood pH by removing CO2, it does not primarily deliver nutrients. Choice D is incorrect as it combines the functions of delivering O2 and nutrients, which are distinct roles of different systems in the body.

5. Which hormone is released by the ovaries to mature an egg?

• A. Estrogen
• B. Luteinizing Hormone
• C. Progesterone
• D. Testosterone

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Estrogen (Choice A). Estrogen is produced by the ovaries and is essential for the maturation of eggs. It plays a crucial role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics, regulation of the menstrual cycle, and preparation of the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg. Luteinizing Hormone (Choice B) is released by the pituitary gland and plays a role in ovulation, not the maturation of eggs. Progesterone (Choice C) is produced by the ovaries after ovulation and is important for preparing the uterus for pregnancy, not maturing eggs. Testosterone (Choice D) is a male sex hormone primarily produced in the testes, and while small amounts are also produced in the ovaries, it is not the hormone responsible for maturing eggs.

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