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. Which element is essential for the formation of hemoglobin?

• A. Calcium
• B. Iron
• C. Potassium
• D. Sodium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Iron. Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that binds and transports oxygen throughout the body. Calcium (Choice A), Potassium (Choice C), and Sodium (Choice D) are not directly involved in the formation of hemoglobin and its oxygen-carrying function.

3. Which cells myelinate neurons in the PNS?

• A. Oligodendrocytes
• B. Astrocytes
• C. Schwann cells
• D. Microglia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Schwann cells are the glial cells responsible for myelinating neurons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). They form the myelin sheath around axons, which helps in the conduction of electrical impulses. Oligodendrocytes, on the other hand, myelinate neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes primarily provide support for neuronal function by regulating the chemical environment around neurons and maintaining the blood-brain barrier. Microglia are part of the immune response in the CNS, where they act as the resident macrophages, playing a role in immune surveillance and response to injury or disease. Therefore, the correct answer is Schwann cells (Choice C) as they specifically myelinate neurons in the PNS, differentiating them from the other cell types mentioned in the choices.

4. Which law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction?

• A. Newton's First Law
• B. Newton's Second Law
• C. Newton's Third Law
• D. Law of Universal Gravitation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Newton's Third Law of Motion. This law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. It means that when one object exerts a force on a second object, the second object exerts an equal force in the opposite direction back on the first object. This fundamental law describes the relationship between the forces acting on two interacting objects. Newton's First Law (Choice A) is known as the law of inertia and states that an object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an external force. Newton's Second Law (Choice B) relates the force acting on an object to its mass and acceleration. The Law of Universal Gravitation (Choice D) describes the force of gravity between two objects with mass and the distance between them.

5. Skeletal muscles are attached to bones by tough connective tissues called

• A. Ligaments
• B. Tendons
• C. Cartilage
• D. Fascia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Skeletal muscles are attached to bones by tough connective tissues called tendons. Tendons are strong, fibrous cords that connect muscles to bones, allowing for movement and stability in the body. Ligaments (option A) connect bones to other bones, not muscles to bones. Cartilage (option C) is firm and flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body, but it does not attach muscles to bones. Fascia (option D) is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, providing support and protection, but it does not directly attach muscles to bones.

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