Nursing Elites

1. What is the study of the geographical distribution of organisms and the factors that influence it known as?

• A. Paleontology (the study of fossils)
• B. Taxonomy (the classification of organisms)
• C. Biogeography
• D. Population genetics

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Biogeography is the scientific discipline that focuses on studying the geographical distribution of organisms and the factors that influence their patterns of distribution. This field investigates the reasons behind why species are located where they are, taking into account historical events, ecological interactions, and physical geography. Paleontology (option A) specifically deals with the study of fossils and the history of life on Earth, mainly focusing on extinct organisms. Taxonomy (option B) is the science that involves classifying and naming organisms based on their characteristics. Population genetics (option D) is concerned with the study of genetic variation and evolutionary processes within populations of organisms. Therefore, in the context of studying the distribution of organisms across space and time, biogeography is the most appropriate choice.

2. What is the half-life of a radioactive isotope, and how does it relate to its decay rate?

• A. The time it takes for half of the initial sample to decay.
• B. The time it takes for all of the sample to decay.
• C. The rate at which new isotopes are created.
• D. The energy released during decay.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for half of the initial sample to decay. After one half-life, half of the radioactive atoms have decayed. The decay rate, however, refers to the rate at which radioactive atoms decay, which is not directly related to the half-life. Choice B is incorrect because it does not correctly define the half-life. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the creation of new isotopes, not the decay process. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the energy released during decay, which is not the same as the concept of half-life.

3. What is the basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system?

• A. Axon
• B. Neuron
• C. Dendrite
• D. Synapse

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Neuron. Neurons are indeed the basic structural and functional units of the nervous system. Neurons are specialized cells that transmit signals throughout the nervous system, enabling communication and coordination of various functions within the body. While axons, dendrites, and synapses are all essential components of neurons and neural function, the neuron as a whole is considered the fundamental building block responsible for signal transmission. Choice A, Axon, is incorrect because an axon is a part of a neuron responsible for transmitting electrical signals away from the cell body. Choice C, Dendrite, is incorrect because dendrites are extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons. Choice D, Synapse, is incorrect because a synapse is the junction between two neurons where signals are transmitted.

4. 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.

5. Who is credited with the discovery of nuclear fission?

• A. Marie Curie
• B. Albert Einstein
• C. Enrico Fermi
• D. Ernest Rutherford

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Enrico Fermi is credited with the discovery of nuclear fission. In 1934, Fermi bombarded uranium with neutrons, leading to the splitting of the uranium nucleus and the release of energy. This groundbreaking discovery laid the foundation for the development of nuclear power and weapons. Marie Curie is known for her pioneering research on radioactivity, but she did not discover nuclear fission. Albert Einstein made significant contributions to physics, including the theory of relativity, but he was not credited with the discovery of nuclear fission. Ernest Rutherford conducted the famous gold foil experiment and made contributions to the understanding of the atom's structure, but he did not discover nuclear fission.

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