TEAS 7 science practice questions

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Homologous structures are defined as anatomical features that are similar in appearance and function due to shared ancestry. This means that these structures are inherited from a common ancestor and may have evolved to fulfill different functions in different species. Option A, which mentions structures with the same function but different origins, describes analogous structures, not homologous ones. Option B, which refers to structures with different functions but the same origin, actually characterizes vestigial structures. Option D, stating that structures are identical in appearance and function, does not necessarily imply homology; such structures could result from convergent evolution rather than shared ancestry. Understanding homologous structures provides insights into the evolutionary relationships between different species and supports the concept of common descent.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The shift in the peppered moth population towards more dark moths in England after the Industrial Revolution exemplifies natural selection acting on pre-existing variation. Initially, light-colored moths were well-camouflaged against lichen-covered tree trunks, but with industrial pollution darkening the tree trunks, dark-colored moths gained a survival advantage. This change reflects how the environment favored dark moths over light ones, illustrating natural selection. The process illustrates how organisms with traits advantageous in a changing environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the prevalence of those traits in the population over time. The choices of artificial selection (A), punctuated equilibrium (C), and Lamarckism (D) are not applicable in this scenario. Artificial selection involves intentional breeding by humans, punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by periods of stability, and Lamarckism suggests the inheritance of acquired characteristics, none of which align with the observed shift in moth populations based on environmental changes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct general formula for an alcohol is CnH2n+1OH, which can be simplified to CnH2nO. In this formula, 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms, '2n' represents the number of hydrogen atoms, and 'O' represents the oxygen atom present in the hydroxyl group of the alcohol. Therefore, the correct general formula for an alcohol is CnH2nO. Choice A, CₙH₂ₙ, does not account for the oxygen atom, which is essential in alcohols. Choice B, CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, does not include the oxygen atom or the necessary hydrogen atoms for the hydroxyl group. Choice C, CₙH₂ₙ₋₁, lacks the oxygen atom and also does not fulfill the requirements of the hydroxyl group. Thus, the most accurate representation of the general formula for an alcohol is CnH2nO.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: According to Newton's second law of motion, the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. This relationship is mathematically expressed as F = ma, where F represents force, m represents mass, and a represents acceleration. Therefore, an increase in force will result in a proportional increase in acceleration, supporting the statement that force is directly proportional to acceleration. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests an inverse relationship, which is not consistent with Newton's second law. Choice C is incorrect because force and acceleration are indeed related as per Newton's second law. Choice D is incorrect as force can cause acceleration or deceleration depending on the direction of the force relative to the motion of the object, but it does not exclusively cause deceleration.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A) The lowest concentration that kills bacteria is known as the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), not the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). MIC is the lowest concentration of an antibiotic that inhibits visible growth of bacteria. B) The MIC of an antibiotic is the concentration at which bacterial growth is inhibited by 50%. This concentration is used to determine the effectiveness of an antibiotic against a specific bacterium. C) The time it takes for an antibiotic to work is not described by the MIC. MIC is a measure of concentration, not time. D) The spectrum of bacteria the antibiotic targets is not defined by the MIC. The MIC value is specific to a particular antibiotic and bacterium, regardless of the spectrum of activity of the antibiotic.