The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a population that is:
- A. Undergoing rapid evolution due to strong directional selection.
- B. Not evolving and at genetic equilibrium with stable allele frequencies.
- C. Experiencing a founder effect leading to a reduction in genetic diversity.
- D. Dominated by a single homozygous genotype that eliminates all variation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a theoretical population in which allele frequencies remain constant from generation to generation, indicating that the population is not evolving. This equilibrium occurs under specific conditions: no mutation, no gene flow, random mating, a large population size, and no natural selection. In this scenario, all genotypes are in proportion to the allele frequencies, and genetic diversity is maintained. Options A, C, and D do not accurately describe a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option A suggests rapid evolution due to strong directional selection, which would disrupt the equilibrium. Option C mentions a founder effect, which can reduce genetic diversity but is not a characteristic of a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option D describes a population dominated by a single homozygous genotype, which also does not align with the genetic diversity seen in a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which type of muscle tissue is found in the walls of blood vessels and helps regulate blood flow?
- A. Skeletal muscle
- B. Smooth muscle
- C. Cardiac muscle
- D. Striated muscle
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Smooth muscle is the correct answer. It is found in the walls of blood vessels and helps regulate blood flow by contracting and relaxing to adjust the diameter of the vessels. Skeletal muscle, found attached to bones, is responsible for voluntary movements and is not typically found in blood vessel walls. Cardiac muscle is specific to the heart and responsible for pumping blood, not found in blood vessel walls. Striated muscle, another term for skeletal muscle, is characterized by its striped appearance under a microscope but is not present in blood vessel walls.
Which of the following is NOT a method of sterilization?
- A. Autoclave
- B. UV light
- C. Chemical disinfectants
- D. Boiling water
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A) Autoclave: An autoclave is a method of sterilization that uses high pressure and steam to kill microorganisms, making it an effective way to sterilize equipment and materials.\nB) UV light: UV light is a method of sterilization that damages the DNA of microorganisms, preventing them from reproducing and causing infections.\nC) Chemical disinfectants: Chemical disinfectants are used to kill or inactivate microorganisms on surfaces, but they may not always achieve sterilization, which is the complete destruction of all microorganisms.\nD) Boiling water: Boiling water is a method of disinfection rather than sterilization. While boiling water can kill many microorganisms, it may not be effective against all types of bacteria, viruses, and spores, making it unsuitable for achieving sterilization.\n\nTherefore, the correct answer is D) Boiling water, as it is not a method of sterilization.
How does the stability of an atom's nucleus influence its radioactive decay?
- A. Stable nuclei never undergo radioactive decay.
- B. Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes.
- C. Decay releases energy, making stable nuclei more prone to it.
- D. The element's position on the periodic table determines its decay rate.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes. The stability of an atom's nucleus is a crucial factor in determining whether it will undergo radioactive decay. Unstable nuclei have an excess of either protons or neutrons, causing an imbalance in the nucleus. To achieve a more stable configuration, these nuclei will undergo radioactive decay by emitting particles or energy. On the contrary, stable nuclei are less likely to undergo radioactive decay as they possess a balanced number of protons and neutrons. Choice A is incorrect because stable nuclei can still undergo radioactive decay, albeit less frequently. Choice C is incorrect as decay does not make stable nuclei more prone to it; rather, it stabilizes them. Choice D is incorrect because an element's decay rate is primarily determined by the nucleus's stability, not its position on the periodic table.
What is the primary function of the ovaries in the female reproductive system?
- A. Transport sperm to the uterus
- B. Produce milk for feeding offspring
- C. Produce eggs (ova)
- D. Regulate urination
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary function of the ovaries in the female reproductive system is to produce eggs (ova). Ovaries are responsible for the production of female gametes. Additionally, they secrete hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which are essential for the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Transporting sperm to the uterus is the function of the fallopian tubes, not the ovaries. Producing milk for feeding offspring is the role of the mammary glands, not the ovaries. Regulating urination is a function associated with the urinary system, not the female reproductive system or the ovaries.
Which type of symbiosis benefits both organisms from the interaction?
- A. Mutualism
- B. Commensalism
- C. Parasitism
- D. Predation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Mutualism.' Mutualism is a type of symbiosis where both organisms involved benefit from the interaction. This relationship is characterized by cooperation and mutual support, leading to advantages for both parties. In mutualistic relationships, each organism provides something that the other needs, resulting in a mutually beneficial outcome. In contrast, 'Commensalism' (choice B) involves one organism benefiting while the other is unaffected, 'Parasitism' (choice C) benefits one organism at the expense of the other, and 'Predation' (choice D) benefits the predator while harming the prey. Examples of mutualism include the relationship between bees and flowers (pollination) and the partnership between nitrogen-fixing bacteria and leguminous plants.