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: C

Rationale: Smooth muscle is the correct answer. It is the involuntary muscle tissue found in the walls of blood vessels and organs like the stomach and intestines. Smooth muscle is responsible for various involuntary movements in the body, such as peristalsis in the digestive system and regulating blood flow in blood vessels. Skeletal muscle is voluntary and attached to bones for movement. Cardiac muscle is specific to the heart and not found in blood vessel walls or organs like the stomach and intestines. Striated muscle refers to both skeletal and cardiac muscle due to their striped appearance under a microscope, but it does not specifically describe the involuntary muscle tissue in the walls of blood vessels and organs as asked in the question.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A) Made up of cells: All living organisms are composed of one or more cells, a fundamental characteristic of life as defined by cell theory. B) Able to reproduce: Reproduction is a key characteristic of living organisms to pass on genetic information. C) Require energy: Energy is essential for carrying out life processes like growth and maintenance of homeostasis. D) Non-motile: While some living organisms are non-motile, movement is common in many organisms for survival activities like finding food, escaping predators, and responding to the environment. Therefore, being non-motile is not a universal characteristic of living organisms, making it the correct answer in this context.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A spasm is a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness. While cramps are a type of spasm, not all spasms are cramps. Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds made involuntarily. Fibrosis refers to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue as part of a reparative or reactive process. In this context, a spasm best fits the description provided, making it the correct answer. Cramp, although related to spasms, is more specific and not the general term being sought. Tic does not describe a muscle contraction but rather sudden movements or sounds. Fibrosis does not directly relate to muscle contractions but rather to the formation of excess fibrous tissue in organs or tissues.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Red blood cell. Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are specifically designed to carry oxygen throughout the body. They contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs and transports it to tissues and organs in the body. Nerve cells, muscle cells, and skin cells do not have the specialized function of carrying oxygen like red blood cells do. Nerve cells transmit electrical signals, muscle cells are involved in movement, and skin cells provide a protective barrier and regulate body temperature. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect in the context of carrying oxygen throughout the body.