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 property of a substance refers to its ability to be drawn into thin wires?

• A. Conductivity
• B. Ductility
• C. Viscosity
• D. Malleability

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ductility is the property of a substance that allows it to be drawn into thin wires without breaking. Conductivity refers to the ability of a substance to conduct electricity or heat, not to be drawn into wires. Viscosity is the measure of a fluid's resistance to flow, not related to the ability to be drawn into wires. Malleability is the property of a substance that allows it to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets, not specifically related to being drawn into wires. Therefore, the correct property for the ability to be drawn into thin wires is ductility.

3. Which of the following compounds often contains a carboxyl group?

• A. Carbohydrates
• B. Glycolipids
• C. Amino Acids
• D. DNA

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Amino Acids. Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, contain both an amine group and a carboxyl group. The carboxyl group (-COOH) is crucial for the structure and function of proteins as it participates in peptide bond formation. Carbohydrates and DNA do not typically contain carboxyl groups as a functional group. Glycolipids consist of a carbohydrate chain linked to a lipid, but they do not inherently contain a carboxyl group.

4. Homologous structures are similar structures in different organisms that have a common evolutionary origin. An example is:

• A. Butterfly wings and bird wings (analogous structures with different origins)
• B. The arm of a human, the wing of a bat, and the flipper of a whale
• C. The eyes of an octopus and a human (convergent evolution with different origins)
• D. The stinger of a bee and the barb of a cactus (unrelated structures)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Homologous structures are similar structures found in different organisms that share a common evolutionary origin. The arm of a human, the wing of a bat, and the flipper of a whale are all examples of homologous structures. Despite serving different functions, they share a common underlying structure due to their evolutionary relationship, evidencing a shared ancestry. These structures are modified over time to suit the specific needs of each species. Option A (Butterfly wings and bird wings) refers to analogous structures with different origins. Option C (The eyes of an octopus and a human) describes convergent evolution where traits evolve independently. Option D (The stinger of a bee and the barb of a cactus) are unrelated structures.

5. Which type of wave does not require a medium for propagation?

• A. Transverse wave
• B. Longitudinal wave
• C. Mechanical wave
• D. Electromagnetic wave

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Electromagnetic wave. Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium for propagation because they consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that can travel through a vacuum. In contrast, transverse and longitudinal waves are mechanical waves that require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) for propagation. Therefore, options A, B, and C are incorrect as they are all types of mechanical waves that necessitate a medium for transmission.

Similar Questions