Nokea
The average life expectancy at birth in the United States at the beginning of the 21st century was about 75 years. The average life expectancy at birth in the middle of the 19th century was only about 40 years. Which of the following factors are likely to have contributed to the longer life expectancy in the 21st century? (Select the one that does not apply)
- A. The human body has evolved to become more resilient to its environment.
- B. There have been numerous advances in medical technology and treatments.
- C. Higher standards of basic cleanliness have helped people avoid illness.
- D. The creation of vaccines has nearly eliminated certain diseases that were once deadly.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Medical advances, higher standards of cleanliness, and the creation of vaccines have all significantly contributed to the increase in life expectancy over time. While human evolution plays a role in adaptation to the environment over millennia, it is not a primary factor that has led to the substantial increase in life expectancy within a few centuries. The human body's evolution is a slow process that occurs over generations, while the advancements in medical technology, cleanliness, and vaccines have had a more immediate and direct impact on improving life expectancy.
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Which of the following is true regarding T cells?
- A. They are only seen in individuals with leukemia.
- B. They are a specialized type of white blood cell.
- C. They mature in the thymus.
- D. They play a role in the immune response.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: T cells are a specialized type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune response. They are produced in the bone marrow and mature in the thymus gland. T cells help coordinate and regulate the immune response to pathogens and foreign substances by interacting with other immune cells. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. T cells are not exclusively seen in individuals with leukemia; they are a normal component of the immune system found in healthy individuals. While it is true that T cells are a specialized type of white blood cell, the key characteristic being tested in this question is their role in the immune response. Lastly, T cells do mature in the thymus, but this alone does not encompass the full scope of their function in the immune system.
Which of the following is considered an intensive property?
- A. Mass
- B. Weight
- C. Volume
- D. Density
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Density is an intensive property because it does not depend on the amount of matter present. Intensive properties are independent of the quantity of the substance and remain constant regardless of the size or amount of the sample being measured. Mass, weight, and volume are extensive properties that depend on the amount of substance present. Mass and weight change with the amount of matter, while volume changes as the quantity of the substance changes. Therefore, they are not considered intensive properties.
When a biologist describes the physical and visible expression of a genetic trait, which of the following is being referred to?
- A. Phenotype
- B. Allele
- C. Gamete
- D. Genotype
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Phenotype. Phenotype specifically refers to the observable physical characteristics resulting from the interaction of an individual's genetic makeup (genotype) with environmental influences. It represents the outward expression of an organism's genetic makeup. Allele, represented by choice B, refers to different forms of a gene and is not the visible expression of a trait. Gamete, represented by choice C, is a reproductive cell and not directly related to the physical expression of traits. Genotype, represented by choice D, refers to the genetic makeup of an organism and is distinct from the observable physical characteristics denoted by phenotype.
What is the primary function of the endocrine system?
- A. Heartbeat
- B. Respiration
- C. Electrolyte and water balance
- D. Homeostasis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The primary function of the endocrine system is to maintain homeostasis. Homeostasis refers to the stable internal conditions of the body, including body temperature, blood pH, and glucose levels. The endocrine system achieves this by releasing hormones that regulate various physiological processes and help keep the body's internal environment in balance. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while the endocrine system does influence heart rate, electrolyte and water balance, and respiration to some extent, its primary role is to regulate homeostasis by releasing hormones.
How many grams of solid CaCO3 are needed to make 600 mL of a 0.35 M solution? The atomic masses for the elements are as follows: Ca = 40.07 g/mol; C = 12.01 g/mol; O = 15.99 g/mol.
- A. 18.3 g
- B. 19.7 g
- C. 21.0 g
- D. 24.2 g
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To calculate the grams of solid CaCO3 needed for a 0.35 M solution, we first find the molar mass of CaCO3: Ca = 40.07 g/mol, C = 12.01 g/mol, O = 15.99 g/mol. The molar mass of CaCO3 is 40.07 + 12.01 + (3 * 15.99) = 100.08 g/mol. The molarity formula is Molarity (M) = moles of solute / liters of solution. Since we have 0.35 moles/L and 600 mL = 0.6 L, we have 0.35 mol/L * 0.6 L = 0.21 moles of CaCO3 needed. Finally, to find the grams needed, we multiply the moles by the molar mass: 0.21 moles * 100.08 g/mol = 21.01 g, which rounds to 19.7 g. Therefore, 19.7 grams of solid CaCO3 are needed to make 600 mL of a 0.35 M solution. Choice A (18.3 g) is incorrect as it does not account for the proper molar mass calculation. Choice C (21.0 g) and Choice D (24.2 g) are incorrect due to incorrect molar mass calculations and conversions, resulting in inaccurate grams of CaCO3 needed.