Nokea
Which vitamin deficiency can lead to a condition called pernicious anemia, affecting vitamin B12 absorption in the digestive system?
- A. Vitamin A
- B. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
- C. Vitamin D
- D. Vitamin E
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pernicious anemia is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 (cobalamin). Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells and for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Pernicious anemia occurs when there is a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein produced in the stomach that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the digestive system. Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E deficiencies do not lead to pernicious anemia. Vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness and skin issues, Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets or osteomalacia, and Vitamin E deficiency can result in neurological problems and muscle weakness.
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What are isotopes?
- A. Atoms of the same element with different numbers of protons.
- B. Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
- C. Atoms of different elements with the same number of protons.
- D. Atoms of different elements with the same number of electrons.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. While isotopes share the same number of protons, which determines the element, they differ in the number of neutrons. This variance in neutron count results in isotopes having different atomic masses. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes have the same number of protons (same element) but differ in the number of neutrons. Choice C is incorrect as it describes atoms of different elements, not isotopes of the same element. Choice D is also incorrect because isotopes can have different numbers of electrons, but what defines isotopes is the variation in neutron numbers.
What is the structure surrounding and protecting the testes, maintaining the optimal temperature for sperm production?
- A. Epididymis
- B. Vas deferens
- C. Scrotum
- D. Prostate gland
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The scrotum is the structure that surrounds and protects the testes. It plays a vital role in maintaining an optimal temperature for sperm production by adjusting the distance of the testes from the body to regulate the effects of external temperature changes. This mechanism helps to safeguard the viability and quality of sperm by ensuring they develop at the right temperature. The epididymis (Choice A) is a coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored, not the structure surrounding the testes. The vas deferens (Choice B) is a duct that carries sperm from the testes to the urethra, not the protective structure around the testes. The prostate gland (Choice D) is part of the male reproductive system, responsible for secreting fluids that nourish and protect sperm, but it is not the structure that surrounds and protects the testes for sperm production.
Why is biodiversity important for healthy ecosystems?
- A. Increases stability and resilience to disturbances
- B. Provides stability and resilience to disturbances
- C. Slows down nutrient cycling
- D. Reduces the number of decomposers
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in a particular area. A diverse ecosystem is better able to withstand and recover from disturbances such as natural disasters, climate change, or human impacts. This is because different species play unique roles in the ecosystem, and a higher level of biodiversity means there are more species available to fulfill these roles. For example, if one species is negatively affected by a disturbance, other species may be able to compensate for its loss, maintaining the overall functioning of the ecosystem. Therefore, biodiversity provides stability and resilience to disturbances, making ecosystems healthier and more sustainable. Choice A is incorrect because biodiversity doesn't increase competition for resources but rather helps in maintaining a balance within the ecosystem. Choice C is incorrect as biodiversity does not slow down nutrient cycling; in fact, it enhances nutrient cycling by ensuring a variety of species involved in the process. Choice D is incorrect as biodiversity does not reduce the number of decomposers but instead supports a diverse community of decomposers that are essential for nutrient recycling in ecosystems.
What is the relationship between genetic drift and the founder effect?
- A. Founder effect is a cause of genetic drift within a small population
- B. Genetic drift is a cause of the founder effect in new populations
- C. They are the same phenomenon with different names
- D. They are unrelated concepts.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: - The founder effect is a specific type of genetic drift that occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population, leading to a loss of genetic variation.
- Genetic drift, on the other hand, is a broader concept that refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population over time due to chance events.
- Therefore, the founder effect is a specific scenario within the broader concept of genetic drift, where the establishment of a new population by a small number of individuals leads to genetic changes in the population.
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.'