Adaptive radiation refers to the evolutionary process where:
- A. A single ancestral species diversifies into multiple descendant species due to ecological pressures in a heterogeneous environment.
- B. Two unrelated species evolve similar adaptations in response to similar environments, leading to convergent evolution.
- C. A population becomes increasingly well-adapted to its current environment through continued natural selection.
- D. The fossil record exhibits gaps or missing links in the evolutionary history of a lineage.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: - Adaptive radiation is a process where a single ancestral species diversifies into multiple descendant species to exploit different ecological niches within a heterogeneous environment.
- This diversification occurs due to the different selective pressures present in various habitats, leading to the evolution of distinct traits and adaptations in different descendant species.
- Option A accurately describes the process of adaptive radiation, where the initial species undergoes rapid speciation to occupy different ecological roles and adapt to diverse environmental conditions.
- Options B, C, and D do not accurately describe adaptive radiation but refer to other evolutionary processes such as convergent evolution, natural selection, and gaps in the fossil record, respectively.
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Which type of immune cell does the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) target and destroy?
- A. Neutrophils
- B. Macrophages
- C. Helper T cells
- D. Memory B cells
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: HIV targets and destroys Helper T cells, which are vital for coordinating the immune response against infections. The destruction of Helper T cells weakens the immune system, leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Neutrophils (Choice A) are primarily involved in acute inflammatory responses and fighting bacterial infections. Macrophages (Choice B) play a role in phagocytosis and antigen presentation but are not the primary target of HIV. Memory B cells (Choice D) are responsible for mounting a quicker and more robust antibody response upon re-exposure to a pathogen, but they are not the main target of HIV infection.
What phenomenon occurs when a wave encounters a change in medium causing a change in its speed and direction?
- A. Refraction
- B. Reflection
- C. Diffraction
- D. Interference
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Refraction is the phenomenon that occurs when a wave encounters a change in medium, causing a change in its speed and direction. This change in speed and direction is due to the wave bending as it passes from one medium to another with a different density. It is essential to understand refraction as it plays a crucial role in various phenomena, such as the bending of light in lenses, the formation of rainbows, and the way seismic waves travel through the Earth's layers. Reflection, while also a wave phenomenon, involves the bouncing back of a wave when it encounters a boundary. Diffraction refers to the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings, and interference involves the combination of two or more waves to form a new wave pattern.
What is the name of the wart-like growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV)?
- A. Keloids
- B. Keloids
- C. Papillomas
- D. Carcinomas
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Papillomas.' Papillomas are benign wart-like growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Keloids are raised scars that occur at the site of an injury due to excessive collagen formation, while carcinomas are malignant tumors arising from epithelial cells. When identifying the growths specifically related to HPV, papillomas are the most appropriate term.
What is the process of converting simple sugars into complex carbohydrates called?
- A. Glycolysis
- B. Gluconeogenesis
- C. Krebs cycle
- D. Oxidative phosphorylation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gluconeogenesis is the correct answer. It is the process of synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids or glycerol. A) Glycolysis is the process of breaking down glucose into pyruvate to produce energy. C) The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, generates energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. D) Oxidative phosphorylation is the final stage of cellular respiration where ATP is produced using energy derived from the electron transport chain. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are not the processes involved in converting simple sugars into complex carbohydrates.
What are the two main divisions of the skeletal system?
- A. Upper and lower body bones
- B. Axial and appendicular skeleton
- C. Long and short bones
- D. Compact and spongy bone
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The skeletal system is divided into two main divisions: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton comprises the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage, providing structural support and protection for vital organs. On the other hand, the appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the upper and lower limbs, shoulder girdle, and pelvic girdle, facilitating movement and flexibility. The divisions are based on the location and function of the bones within the skeletal system, making choices A, C, and D incorrect as they do not represent the primary divisions of the skeletal system.
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