Nokea
Decomposers in an ecosystem play a vital role by:
- A. Photosynthesizing and producing organic matter
- B. Breaking down dead organisms and returning nutrients to the environment
- C. Preying on herbivores and controlling their populations
- D. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and making it available to plants
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances. By doing so, they help to recycle nutrients back into the environment, making them available for other organisms to use. This process is essential for the functioning of ecosystems, as it ensures that nutrients are not lost but instead are continuously cycled through the ecosystem. Photosynthesis (option A) is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, and it is not a role of decomposers. Preying on herbivores (option C) is a role typically carried out by predators, not decomposers. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere (option D) is a process carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, not decomposers.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which of the following is a pair of nerves that originates from the brain?
- A. Spinal nerves
- B. Olfactory nerves
- C. Sciatic nerve
- D. Optic nerve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The olfactory nerves, choice B, are a pair of cranial nerves that originate from the brain. They are responsible for the sense of smell and are the only cranial nerves that directly connect to the cerebrum. Spinal nerves, choice A, originate from the spinal cord, the sciatic nerve, choice C, is a large nerve that originates in the lower back, and the optic nerve, choice D, originates from the retina of the eye. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not originate directly from the brain.
What is the process by which muscle tissue wastes away due to disuse or lack of nutrients?
- A. Hypertrophy
- B. Atrophy
- C. Fibrosis
- D. Rigor mortis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Atrophy is the correct term for the process by which muscle tissue wastes away due to disuse or lack of nutrients. It is essential to differentiate atrophy from hypertrophy, which is the increase in muscle size due to exercise or strength training. Fibrosis involves the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue, which is distinct from muscle wasting. Rigor mortis, on the other hand, is the stiffening of muscles that occurs after death and is not related to muscle wasting during life.
When a blockage forms in a coronary artery, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle, this condition is called:
- A. Atherosclerosis
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Angina pectoris
- D. Heart murmur
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when a blockage forms in a coronary artery, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to blockages but is not the name for this specific condition. Angina pectoris is chest pain or discomfort due to inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle, which is a precursor to a heart attack but not the name for this condition. A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat, often due to turbulent blood flow, and is not related to a blockage in a coronary artery.
What term describes the point where parallel rays of light converge or appear to diverge after passing through a lens or reflecting off a mirror?
- A. Aperture
- B. Focal length
- C. Refractive index
- D. Lens thickness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Focal length.' Focal length is the term used to describe the point where parallel rays of light converge or appear to diverge after passing through a lens or reflecting off a mirror. It is a critical parameter in optics that determines the magnification and image formation in optical systems. Aperture refers to the opening through which light enters a camera or telescope, not the convergence point of light rays. Refractive index is a measure of how much light is bent, not the point where rays converge. Lens thickness is the physical dimension of a lens and does not indicate the convergence point of light rays. Therefore, 'Focal length' is the most appropriate choice in this context.
What is the process by which cells respond to external stimuli, such as chemicals, temperature, or touch, called?
- A. Signal transduction
- B. Homeostasis
- C. Adaptation
- D. Metabolism
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Signal transduction is the correct answer. It is the process by which cells respond to external stimuli like chemicals, temperature, or touch. When a cell receives a signal from its environment, it triggers a series of molecular events leading to a specific cellular response. This process involves transmitting signals from the cell surface to the interior, triggering various cellular activities. Homeostasis, on the other hand, refers to an organism's ability to maintain internal stability in response to external changes. Adaptation involves an organism adjusting to its environment over time through genetic changes or behavioral modifications, which is distinct from the process of cells responding to immediate external stimuli. Metabolism, although essential for cellular functions, is not specifically about cells responding to external stimuli but rather the biochemical processes involved in energy production, storage, and utilization within cells.