what is the main function of the nervous system

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Practice Test Science

1. What is the main function of the nervous system?

A. To fight infection
B. To control body movement and coordination
C. To regulate metabolism
D. To transport oxygen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main function of the nervous system is to control body movement and coordination by transmitting signals between different parts of the body. Choice A is incorrect because the immune system, not the nervous system, is primarily responsible for fighting infections. Choice C is incorrect as regulating metabolism is primarily handled by the endocrine system. Choice D is incorrect because the transportation of oxygen is mainly the function of the circulatory system, specifically the blood.

2. A student hypothesizes that higher sugar consumption negatively impacts test scores. To investigate this, the student recruits participants to consume varying amounts of sugar, wait for one hour, and then complete an aptitude test. The student will record both the amount of sugar consumed and the test scores to analyze the relationship. What is the best experimental approach?

A. Conduct one round of testing where each participant consumes a different amount of sugar.
B. Conduct two rounds of testing: In the first round, participants consume varying amounts of sugar; in the second round, they consume the same amount of sugar as they did in the first round.
C. Conduct two rounds of testing: In the first round, participants consume varying amounts of sugar; in the second round, participants consume no sugar.
D. Conduct one round of testing where all participants consume the same amount of sugar.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C provides the most thorough experimental design by including a control group. In the first round, varying sugar intake levels help explore the relationship between sugar consumption and test scores. In the second round, by having participants consume no sugar, the student can compare results to observe any changes due to sugar intake. This approach enhances the validity of the findings by accounting for potential confounding factors and better identifying causal relationships. Choice A is not ideal as it lacks a control group and does not compare the impact of sugar consumption. Choice B does not explore the effects of sugar consumption adequately as it does not include a group without sugar. Choice D does not allow for comparison between different sugar consumption levels, limiting the ability to draw meaningful conclusions.

3. Which of the following represents a form of potential energy?

A. A moving car
B. A spinning top
C. A raised hammer
D. A rolling ball

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A raised hammer represents potential energy as it possesses stored energy due to its position above the ground. When the hammer falls, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as it moves. In contrast, options A, B, and D involve objects already in motion, representing kinetic energy. Choice A, a moving car, is in motion and has kinetic energy. Choice B, a spinning top, is also in motion and exhibits kinetic energy. Choice D, a rolling ball, is already moving and thus has kinetic energy. Therefore, only choice C, a raised hammer, is the correct representation of potential energy among the given options.

4. What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

A. Both are double-stranded.
B. DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, while RNA contains ribose sugar.
C. RNA contains the nitrogenous base uracil, while DNA contains thymine.
D. Both are identical molecules.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Incorrect. DNA is double-stranded, but RNA is typically single-stranded. B) Correct. DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, which lacks an oxygen atom on the 2' carbon of the sugar ring, while RNA contains ribose sugar, which has an additional hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon. C) Incorrect. RNA contains the nitrogenous base uracil, while DNA contains thymine. D) Incorrect. DNA and RNA have distinct structures and functions, so they are not identical molecules.

5. During vigorous exercise, why does the respiratory rate increase?

A. Meet the increased demand for oxygen in working muscles
B. Eliminate excess carbon dioxide more slowly
C. Conserve energy for physical activity
D. Decrease the amount of oxygen delivered to the body

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During vigorous exercise, the muscles require more oxygen to produce energy for physical activity. The increased respiratory rate helps to deliver more oxygen to the working muscles to meet this demand. This process is essential for sustaining physical activity and preventing fatigue. Choice A is the correct answer as it accurately describes the purpose of the increased respiratory rate during vigorous exercise. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B, 'Eliminate excess carbon dioxide more slowly,' is inaccurate as the primary reason for the increased respiratory rate during exercise is to meet the increased demand for oxygen, not to eliminate carbon dioxide. Choice C, 'Conserve energy for physical activity,' is incorrect because increasing the respiratory rate actually expends energy to meet the oxygen demand of the working muscles. Choice D, 'Decrease the amount of oxygen delivered to the body,' is incorrect as the increased respiratory rate is specifically to deliver more oxygen to the body during exercise.