What does the concept of punctuated equilibrium suggest?
- A. Evolution occurs gradually through the continuous accumulation of small changes over long periods.
- B. Evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change.
- C. The fossil record is a complete and accurate representation of all past life forms.
- D. Natural selection primarily favors extreme phenotypes within a population.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Punctuated equilibrium suggests that evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change. This concept, proposed by Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge, implies that species remain relatively unchanged for extended periods, followed by sudden bursts of rapid evolution. Option A describes the gradualism model, which is different from punctuated equilibrium. Option C is inaccurate as the fossil record is incomplete and biased. Option D is unrelated to the concept of punctuated equilibrium.
You may also like to solve these questions
In the reaction 4Al + 3O2 → 2Al2O3, what is the mole ratio of aluminum to oxygen?
- A. 4:3
- B. 2:3
- C. 3:2
- D. 3:4
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The balanced chemical equation shows that 4 moles of aluminum react with 3 moles of oxygen to produce 2 moles of aluminum oxide. Therefore, the mole ratio of aluminum to oxygen is 4:3. Choice B (2:3) is incorrect because it does not reflect the correct ratio based on the balanced equation. Choice C (3:2) and Choice D (3:4) are also incorrect as they do not represent the correct mole ratio of aluminum to oxygen according to the balanced chemical equation.
A light ray travels from air (refractive index 1.00) into water (refractive index 1.33). What happens to its speed and direction?
- A. Speed increases, direction bends towards the normal.
- B. Speed increases, direction bends away from the normal.
- C. Speed decreases, direction bends towards the normal.
- D. Speed and direction remain unchanged.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a light ray travels from air (lower refractive index) to water (higher refractive index), its speed decreases due to the change in the medium. This is because light travels slower in denser mediums. As the light ray enters the denser medium, water in this case, it bends towards the normal (the line perpendicular to the surface of the water). This phenomenon is known as refraction. Choice A is incorrect as the speed of light decreases when entering a denser medium. Choice B is incorrect as the direction bends towards the normal, not away from it. Choice D is incorrect as the speed and direction of the light ray do change when moving from air to water.
Which of the following is NOT a common route of transmission for a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
- A. Unprotected sexual contact
- B. Sharing contaminated needles
- C. Deep kissing
- D. Mother to child during childbirth
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A) Unprotected sexual contact is a common route of transmission for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as many STIs are spread through genital, anal, or oral sex without the use of barrier protection such as condoms. B) Sharing contaminated needles can also transmit STIs such as HIV and hepatitis B and C, especially among individuals who inject drugs. C) Deep kissing, while it can transmit certain infections like herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) or cytomegalovirus (CMV), is not a common route of transmission for most STIs. Although some STIs can be transmitted through saliva, deep kissing is not a primary mode of transmission for most STIs. D) Mother to child transmission during childbirth can occur with certain STIs such as HIV, syphilis, and herpes, where the infection can be passed from the mother to the baby during delivery. Therefore, deep kissing (option C) is the correct answer as it is not a typical route of transmission for most STIs.
Which element is a good conductor of electricity but is not a metal?
- A. Copper
- B. Silver
- C. Graphite
- D. Gold
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is graphite. Graphite is a non-metal that is a good conductor of electricity due to its unique electronic structure. While metals are typically known for their conductivity, graphite is an exception to this rule. Copper (choice A), silver (choice B), and gold (choice D) are all metals and are known for their excellent conductivity. Therefore, they do not fit the criteria of the question, which specifically asks for an element that is a good conductor of electricity but is not a metal.
Which layer of the skin, containing connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerve endings, is located beneath the epidermis?
- A. Epidermis
- B. Dermis
- C. Hypodermis
- D. Stratum corneum
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the dermis. The dermis is the deeper layer of the skin that contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerve endings. It is located beneath the epidermis and provides structural support, nourishment, and sensitivity to the skin. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin responsible for protection. The hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous layer, is the deepest layer that contains fat cells and plays a role in insulation and energy storage. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis composed of dead skin cells that are continually shed and replaced.