Nursing Elites

1. Whose energy efficiency is greater?

• A. Herbivore
• B. Carnivore
• C. Omnivore
• D. Decomposer

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Decomposers have the greatest efficiency of energy among the given options. Decomposers break down organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances through the process of decomposition. This breakdown process results in the release of nutrients back into the ecosystem, making energy more readily available for other organisms to use. In contrast, herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores all derive their energy from the consumption of other living organisms, making their energy efficiency lower than that of decomposers. Herbivores consume plants for energy, which involves energy loss due to inefficiencies in converting plant matter into usable energy. Carnivores consume herbivores or other carnivores, leading to further energy loss through each trophic level. Omnivores consume both plant and animal matter, but their energy efficiency is still lower than decomposers because of the energy loss associated with consuming living organisms. Decomposers play a crucial role in recycling nutrients and energy in ecosystems, making them highly efficient in the utilization of energy.

2. Which organelle is responsible for organizing protein synthesis?

• A. Nucleus
• B. Ribosome
• C. Lysosome
• D. Vacuole

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ribosome. Ribosomes are responsible for organizing protein synthesis by assembling amino acids. They are the cellular machinery where proteins are synthesized. The other choices, such as the nucleus, lysosome, and vacuole, do not directly participate in protein synthesis. The nucleus contains DNA and controls cell activities, the lysosome is involved in digestion and waste removal, and the vacuole is responsible for storage and maintaining cell turgor pressure.

3. Which of the following is a tertiary consumer?

• A. Owl
• B. Shrew
• C. Grasshopper
• D. Wheat

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Owl. Tertiary consumers are organisms that feed on secondary consumers, which, in turn, feed on primary consumers. Owls are considered tertiary consumers because they primarily feed on animals such as rodents, which are secondary consumers. Shrew (choice B) is a secondary consumer, feeding on insects and worms, placing it at a lower trophic level than the owl. Grasshopper (choice C) is a primary consumer, feeding on plants. Wheat (choice D) is not a consumer in the food chain but a plant.

4. ___________ is a symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is not affected.

• A. Mutualism
• B. Parasitism
• C. Commensalism
• D. Competition

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Commensalism.' In commensalism, one organism benefits from the relationship while the other is neither helped nor harmed. This type of symbiotic relationship is characterized by one organism deriving a benefit, such as food or shelter, without impacting the other organism in any significant way. Choice A, 'Mutualism,' is a symbiotic relationship in which both organisms benefit. Choice B, 'Parasitism,' is a symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits at the expense of the other. Choice D, 'Competition,' refers to a relationship in which organisms compete for limited resources, with both being affected in terms of access to resources.

5. Which statement regarding energy content is true?

• A. Decomposers < secondary consumers
• B. Primary consumers < producers
• C. Producers > secondary consumers
• D. Secondary consumers < primary consumers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Producers > secondary consumers." Producers, like plants, are the foundation of the energy pyramid, containing the highest energy content in an ecosystem. They convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. Secondary consumers, being organisms that feed on other organisms, have lower energy content compared to producers. This hierarchy in energy content is due to the transfer of energy through trophic levels. Choice A is incorrect because decomposers, though essential for nutrient recycling, typically have lower energy content than secondary consumers. Choice B is incorrect because primary consumers, which feed directly on producers, have lower energy content than producers. Choice D is incorrect because secondary consumers have lower energy content compared to primary consumers.

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