Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. What is the cellular function of cilia and flagella?

• A. Cilia and flagella are responsible for cell movement.
• B. Cilia and flagella synthesize proteins.
• C. Cilia and flagella help protect the cell from its environment.
• D. Cilia and flagella have enzymes that help with digestion.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cilia and flagella are responsible for cell movement. Cilia and flagella are specialized structures found on the surface of many types of cells. They are involved in the movement of the cell itself or in moving substances around the cell. This movement helps in various functions such as propulsion, moving fluids, and sensing the environment. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Cilia and flagella are not involved in synthesizing proteins, protecting the cell from its environment, or aiding in digestion. Their primary function is related to cell movement and cellular transport.

3. Following the scientific method, which steps would be done before gathering qualitative data?

• A. Communicate with a scientific journal
• B. Define the problem
• C. Develop a hypothesis
• D. Categorize data for statistical analysis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the scientific method, defining the problem is typically the initial step. Before gathering qualitative data, it is essential to clearly outline and understand the issue or question being addressed. This step helps in guiding the research process and ensures that the data collected are relevant to the problem at hand. Communicating with a scientific journal (Choice A) is not a standard step in the scientific method; it comes after the research is conducted. Developing a hypothesis (Choice C) usually follows defining the problem and precedes data collection. Categorizing data for statistical analysis (Choice D) occurs after data collection, not before gathering qualitative data.

4. What is the term for the shedding of the outermost layer of the epidermis?

• A. Desquamation
• B. Exfoliation
• C. Keratinization
• D. Epidermolysis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Desquamation is the correct term for the shedding of the outermost layer of the epidermis. This process is essential for skin renewal, allowing the removal of dead skin cells from the skin's surface. Exfoliation, on the other hand, involves the removal of dead skin cells through mechanical or chemical methods. Keratinization refers to the process where skin cells produce the protein keratin, contributing to the skin's protective barrier. Epidermolysis is a condition characterized by the separation of the epidermis from the dermis due to a structural defect in the skin.

5. What is the fatty substance that coats axons to insulate, protect, and speed up impulses?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Myelin.' Myelin is a fatty substance that functions as an insulator for axons, providing protection and enhancing the speed of electrical impulses along neurons. This insulation is essential for ensuring efficient and rapid communication within the nervous system. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Dendrites are branched extensions of a neuron that receive signals, neurons are the basic building blocks of the nervous system that transmit information, and synapses are the junctions between neurons where communication occurs.

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