TEAS 7 Science Practice Test

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: medulla oblongata. This region of the brain is responsible for controlling and regulating autonomic functions like respiration, digestion, and heart rate. It is located in the brainstem and contains vital centers for these functions. The cerebellum (A) is primarily involved in coordination and balance. The temporal lobe (C) is responsible for auditory processing and memory. The cerebral cortex (D) is involved in higher cognitive functions like thinking and decision-making. Therefore, the medulla oblongata is the correct choice as it specifically controls autonomic functions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (50 neutrons). Neutrons are calculated by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number. The mass number represents the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom. Since the atomic number (number of protons) is not given, we use the mass number as a total. Therefore, for an atom with a mass number of 50, it must have 50 neutrons. Choice A (38) is incorrect because it does not match the given mass number. Choice B (88) is incorrect as it is not the correct calculation based on the mass number provided. Choice D (126) is incorrect as it is not the correct calculation based on the mass number provided.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: parietal lobe. The parietal lobe is primarily responsible for processing and integrating sensory information received from the rest of the body. It plays a key role in processing touch, pressure, temperature, and pain sensations. Additionally, the parietal lobe is involved in spatial perception, attention, and body awareness. Frontal lobe (A) is responsible for higher cognitive functions such as decision-making and problem-solving. Occipital lobe (B) is primarily responsible for processing visual information. Temporal lobe (D) is involved in processing auditory information and memory functions. Therefore, the parietal lobe is the most appropriate choice for processing and integrating sensory information.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Natural selection is the correct answer. It is the mechanism where advantageous traits lead to better survival and reproduction, passing on those traits to offspring. This process drives evolution by selecting for traits beneficial for survival in a given environment. Gene flow involves the transfer of genes between populations, genetic drift is the random change in allele frequencies, and mutation introduces new genetic variations. These mechanisms do not specifically involve the differential survival and reproduction of organisms based on advantageous traits, making them incorrect choices for this question.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons. Neutrons are the subatomic particles that do not have a charge and are found in the nucleus of an atom. Different isotopes of an element have the same number of protons (which determines the element's identity) but vary in the number of neutrons, leading to differences in atomic mass. This distinction in neutron number is the defining characteristic of isotopes. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: A: Isotopes do not have different ionic charges as they have the same number of protons and electrons, maintaining overall charge neutrality. B: Isotopes can be found across different groups on the periodic table, not restricted to the same group. D: Isotopes can have the same electron configurations since electrons are primarily determined by the number of protons in the nucleus, which remains constant for isotopes of the same element.