Nursing Elites

1. What is a benefit of a taxonomic system?

• A. Researchers can describe how living things behave.
• B. Researchers can develop names for new organisms.
• C. Living things can be distinguished from nonliving things.
• D. Living things can be classified based on their molecular traits.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A taxonomic system allows scientists to classify living organisms based on their molecular and genetic traits. This classification helps in understanding the relationships and evolutionary history of different organisms, providing insights into their characteristics and behaviors. Choices A, B, and C do not directly relate to the primary purpose and benefit of a taxonomic system, which is the systematic classification of organisms.

2. Which structure contains the genetic material (DNA) of the cell?

• A. Cytoplasm
• B. Nucleus
• C. Cell wall (only present in plant cells)
• D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nucleus is the organelle that contains the genetic material (DNA) of the cell. It acts as the control center of the cell, regulating gene expression and coordinating cellular activities. The cytoplasm is the fluid-filled space within the cell where organelles are suspended, but it does not contain the genetic material. The cell wall is a rigid structure found in plant cells that provides support and protection, but it does not house the DNA. The Golgi apparatus is involved in processing and packaging proteins for secretion, but it does not contain the genetic material of the cell.

3. Which term best describes the gradual change in a species over time in response to environmental pressures?

• A. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
• B. Gradualism (slow and continuous change)
• C. Founder effect (genetic drift in a small population)
• D. Adaptive radiation (rapid diversification of a species)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by long periods of stability, rather than gradual change over time in response to environmental pressures. B) Gradualism is the process by which species evolve through slow and continuous changes over time in response to environmental pressures. This gradual change can lead to the development of new traits and adaptations. C) Founder effect is a type of genetic drift that occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population, leading to a loss of genetic variation compared to the original population. It does not specifically describe the gradual change in a species over time. D) Adaptive radiation is the rapid diversification of a species into a variety of forms to exploit different ecological niches, but it does not specifically refer to the gradual change in response to environmental pressures. Therefore, the term that best describes the gradual change in a species over time in response to environmental pressures is 'Gradualism.'

4. What type of bone is the kneecap (patella)?

• A. Long bone
• B. Short bone
• C. Flat bone
• D. Irregular bone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Flat bone. The kneecap (patella) is classified as a flat bone. Flat bones are thin, flattened bones that provide protection and offer a broad surface for muscle attachment. The patella fits this description as it is a flat, triangular bone located in front of the knee joint, protecting the knee and providing attachment points for muscles like the quadriceps. Choice A, long bone, is incorrect as long bones are typically found in the arms and legs, not in the knee area. Choice B, short bone, is incorrect as short bones are cube-shaped and are not characteristic of the patella. Choice D, irregular bone, is incorrect as irregular bones have complex shapes and do not apply to the flat, triangular structure of the patella.

5. Which part of the neuron insulates and speeds up the transmission of nerve impulses along the axon?

• A. Dendrite
• B. Myelin sheath
• C. Synapse
• D. Cell body

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that surrounds the axon of a neuron, providing insulation and speeding up the transmission of nerve impulses. This insulation helps prevent the loss of electrical signals as they travel along the axon, allowing for faster and more efficient communication within the nervous system. Dendrites are branching extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons, the synapse is the junction between two neurons where communication occurs, and the cell body contains the nucleus and organelles of the neuron, but none of these structures provide insulation for the transmission of nerve impulses along the axon.

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