What is the main purpose of biological classification?
- A. To create a rigid and unchanging system for labeling organisms
- B. To understand the diversity and interconnectedness of life
- C. To simplify nature into neat and tidy categories
- D. To assign organisms to specific ecological niches
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Biological classification, also known as taxonomy, is the science of categorizing and organizing living organisms based on shared characteristics. The main purpose of biological classification is not to create a rigid and unchanging system (option A) or to simplify nature into neat and tidy categories (option C). Instead, it aims to help us understand the diversity of life on Earth and how different organisms are related to each other. By classifying organisms into groups based on their evolutionary relationships, we can gain insights into the interconnectedness of life and better appreciate the complexity and beauty of the natural world. Assigning organisms to specific ecological niches (option D) is more related to ecological studies rather than biological classification.
You may also like to solve these questions
What describes the change in direction of light when it passes through different mediums, such as air and water?
- A. Diffraction
- B. Reflection
- C. Refraction
- D. Dispersion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Refraction is the change in direction of light as it moves from one medium to another, such as air to water or glass. This change occurs due to variations in the speed of light in each medium, causing the light rays to bend. When light passes through different mediums, it changes its path, a phenomenon known as refraction.
Choice A, Diffraction, refers to the bending of waves around obstacles and the spreading of waves when passing through small openings, not the change in direction of light when moving between mediums. Choice B, Reflection, is the bouncing back of light rays from a surface into the same medium, not the change in direction when transitioning between different mediums. Choice D, Dispersion, involves the separation of light into its constituent colors based on their different wavelengths, not the change in direction of light when passing through different mediums.
Identify the opposing muscle pair.
- A. Bicep and tricep (Arm flexion and extension)
- B. Hamstring and quadriceps (Knee extension and flexion)
- C. Pectoralis major and pectoralis minor (Chest muscles)
- D. Trapezius and deltoid (Shoulder movement)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The bicep and tricep muscles form an antagonistic muscle pair, where one muscle contracts while the other relaxes. The bicep, located on the front of the upper arm, is responsible for arm flexion (bending the elbow), while the tricep, situated on the back of the upper arm, is responsible for arm extension (straightening the elbow). This opposing action allows for controlled movement at the elbow joint. Choice B, hamstring and quadriceps, are not opposing muscles in the context of the knee joint; the hamstring group flexes the knee, while the quadriceps group extends it. Choices C and D do not represent an opposing muscle pair related to joint movement.
What is the process of making copies of RNA from DNA called?
- A. Replication
- B. Transcription
- C. Translation
- D. DNA repair
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Transcription is the correct answer. Transcription is the process of making copies of RNA from DNA. During transcription, the enzyme RNA polymerase binds to a specific region of DNA and synthesizes a complementary RNA strand based on the DNA template. This process is essential for gene expression and protein synthesis in cells. Replication (option A) refers to the process of making copies of DNA, not RNA. Translation (option C) is the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA, not making copies of RNA from DNA. DNA repair (option D) involves mechanisms that cells use to repair damaged DNA, not the process of making RNA copies from DNA.
Which of the following statements best describes Newton's first law of motion?
- A. An object in motion tends to stay in motion, and an object at rest tends to stay at rest unless acted upon by an external force.
- B. Force equals mass times acceleration.
- C. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
- D. The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Newton's first law of motion, also known as the law of inertia, states that an object in motion will remain in motion, and an object at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by an external force. This principle highlights the concept of inertia, which is the tendency of objects to resist changes in their state of motion. Option A accurately captures this fundamental aspect of Newton's first law. Options B, C, and D describe Newton's second law, third law, and the relationship between force, acceleration, and mass, respectively. Therefore, options B, C, and D are incorrect as they pertain to different laws formulated by Newton.
What condition is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting?
- A. Muscular dystrophy
- B. Myositis
- C. Fibromyalgia
- D. Carpal tunnel syndrome
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting due to mutations in genes responsible for muscle cells' structure and function. Myositis is an inflammatory muscle disease, fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition, and carpal tunnel syndrome affects the hand and arm nerves, but none present with the progressive muscle weakness and wasting seen in muscular dystrophy.