What is the most common cause of aseptic meningitis?
- A. Bacteria
- B. Viruses
- C. Fungi
- D. Parasites
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aseptic meningitis is typically caused by viral infections, such as enteroviruses (e.g., coxsackievirus, echovirus), herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and others. These viruses can infect the meninges, leading to inflammation and symptoms of meningitis without the presence of bacteria. While bacterial meningitis is a serious and life-threatening condition, aseptic meningitis caused by viruses is usually less severe and has a better prognosis. Fungi and parasites are less common causes of meningitis compared to bacteria and viruses.
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The process by which an organism adapts to its environment through inherited traits is known as
- A. Acclimatization
- B. Behavioral ecology
- C. Natural selection
- D. Niche partitioning
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A) Acclimatization refers to the short-term physiological adjustments an individual organism makes in response to changes in its environment. This process is reversible and does not involve inherited traits.
B) Behavioral ecology is the study of how behavior contributes to an organism's survival and reproduction in its environment. While behavior can be influenced by natural selection, it is not the process by which an organism adapts through inherited traits.
C) Natural selection is the process by which organisms with advantageous traits for their environment are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on those traits to their offspring. Over time, this leads to the adaptation of populations to their environments.
D) Niche partitioning is the process by which species divide resources to reduce competition within an ecosystem. While this can influence the evolution of species, it is not the process by which an organism adapts through inherited traits.
When referring to blood vessel walls, the term 'atherosclerosis' describes:
- A. The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.
- B. The inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels.
- C. The dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall (aneurysm).
- D. The normal process of blood vessel wall thickening with age.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.' Atherosclerosis is the process where plaque, consisting of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, accumulates within the arteries. This buildup can lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially causing severe health issues like heart attacks and strokes. Choice B is incorrect because inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels is known as vasculitis, not atherosclerosis. Choice C is incorrect as it describes an aneurysm, which is a dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall, not atherosclerosis. Choice D is incorrect as it describes arteriosclerosis, a process of blood vessel wall thickening with age, which is different from atherosclerosis.
What determines the defining characteristic of an element?
- A. Neutrons in its nucleus
- B. Electrons surrounding the nucleus
- C. Protons in its nucleus
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The defining characteristic of an element is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus, which is referred to as the atomic number. The number of protons uniquely identifies an element. The correct answer is choice C because the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom defines its elemental identity, as different elements have a unique number of protons. Neutrons and electrons do play essential roles in the atom, but they do not determine the defining characteristic of an element. Neutrons contribute to the stability of the nucleus and isotopes of an element, while electrons are involved in chemical bonding and the reactivity of an atom.
What happens during a physical change in matter?
- A. A new substance with different properties is formed
- B. The chemical composition of the substance changes
- C. The original substance can be recovered by physical means
- D. Energy is either released or absorbed
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During a physical change in matter, the original substance undergoes a change in its physical state or appearance without any change in its chemical composition. This means that the original substance can be recovered by physical means, such as melting, freezing, boiling, or condensing. No new substance is formed (option A), the chemical composition remains the same (option B), and energy changes can occur but are not a defining characteristic of a physical change (option D). The ability to recover the original substance by physical means distinguishes physical changes from chemical changes.
Scientists compare the DNA of different organisms to understand evolutionary relationships. What is this type of evidence called?
- A. Morphological evidence (comparing body structures)
- B. Biochemical evidence (comparing molecules like proteins)
- C. Geographic distribution evidence (where organisms live)
- D. Genetic evidence (comparing DNA sequences)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A) Morphological evidence involves comparing body structures of organisms, which can provide information about evolutionary relationships based on physical similarities and differences. However, DNA comparison is a more direct and accurate method for understanding evolutionary relationships.
B) Biochemical evidence involves comparing molecules like proteins, which can also provide insights into evolutionary relationships. However, DNA comparison is considered more reliable due to the direct relationship between DNA sequences and genetic information.
C) Geographic distribution evidence refers to where organisms live and how their distribution may provide clues about evolutionary history. While this can be informative, it is not as direct or specific as comparing DNA sequences.
D) Genetic evidence involves comparing DNA sequences of different organisms to understand their evolutionary relationships. DNA comparison is a powerful tool in evolutionary biology because it provides direct information about genetic similarities and differences, offering precise insights into evolutionary relationships.
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