What is the term for a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring?
- A. Genus
- B. Phylum
- C. Kingdom
- D. Species
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A species is defined as a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, which is a fundamental concept in biology. This ability to interbreed and produce fertile offspring is a key characteristic that distinguishes one species from another. Genus (option A) refers to a taxonomic rank that includes one or more closely related species, not the ability to interbreed. Phylum (option B) and kingdom (option C) are higher taxonomic ranks that encompass a broader range of organisms, not specifically defined by interbreeding and fertile offspring production. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Species.'
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What is the function of the stratified cuboidal epithelium lining the salivary glands?
- A. Protection
- B. Gas exchange
- C. Secretion
- D. Absorption
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Secretion. The stratified cuboidal epithelium lining the salivary glands is responsible for secretion. This type of epithelium, made of multiple layers of cube-shaped cells, is specialized for secretion and protection. In the salivary glands, these cells secrete saliva to aid in the digestion process. Choice A, Protection, is incorrect because while the epithelium does provide some level of protection, its primary function in the salivary glands is secretion. Choice B, Gas exchange, is incorrect as the salivary glands are not involved in gas exchange processes. Choice D, Absorption, is also incorrect as the main role of this epithelium in the salivary glands is not absorption but rather secretion of saliva.
Decomposers in an ecosystem play a vital role by:
- A. Photosynthesizing and producing organic matter
- B. Breaking down dead organisms and returning nutrients to the environment
- C. Preying on herbivores and controlling their populations
- D. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and making it available to plants
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances. By doing so, they help to recycle nutrients back into the environment, making them available for other organisms to use. This process is essential for the functioning of ecosystems, as it ensures that nutrients are not lost but instead are continuously cycled through the ecosystem. Photosynthesis (option A) is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, and it is not a role of decomposers. Preying on herbivores (option C) is a role typically carried out by predators, not decomposers. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere (option D) is a process carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, not decomposers.
What is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing a vast amount of energy called?
- A. Nuclear fusion
- B. Nuclear fission
- C. Radioactive decay
- D. Chain reaction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nuclear fission. Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing a vast amount of energy. This process is commonly used in nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons. It is a controlled chain reaction that generates energy. Option A, Nuclear fusion, is the process of combining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy. This process powers the sun and other stars. Option C, Radioactive decay, is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. Option D, Chain reaction, is a self-sustaining reaction where the products of one reaction event stimulate further reaction events. While chain reactions can occur in both nuclear fission and fusion, the specific process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller ones is known as nuclear fission.
In the reaction 2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2, what is the limiting reactant when 3 moles of sodium react with 2 moles of water?
- A. Na
- B. H2O
- C. NaOH
- D. H2
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The balanced chemical equation indicates that 2 moles of sodium react with 2 moles of water to yield 2 moles of sodium hydroxide and 1 mole of hydrogen gas. When 3 moles of sodium react with only 2 moles of water, sodium becomes the limiting reactant as it is present in excess compared to the available water molecules. This situation arises because not all sodium atoms can fully react with the limited amount of water, resulting in sodium being the limiting reactant in this specific case. Choice B (H2O), choice C (NaOH), and choice D (H2) are incorrect as they are not the limiting reactant in the given reaction scenario.
What do isotopes of the same element have in common?
- A. Identical number of protons and neutrons.
- B. Identical chemical properties.
- C. Identical number of electrons.
- D. Identical mass number.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons, which defines the element, but different numbers of neutrons. This difference in neutron count results in isotopes of the same element having different mass numbers. Chemical properties are determined by the arrangement of electrons in an atom, so isotopes of the same element may exhibit slightly different chemical behaviors due to different neutron numbers. The number of electrons can vary in isotopes, affecting their charge. However, the mass number, which is the sum of protons and neutrons, is the same for isotopes of the same element. Therefore, the correct answer is that isotopes of the same element share an identical mass number.