Adaptive radiation refers to the evolutionary process where:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: - Adaptive radiation is a process where a single ancestral species diversifies into multiple descendant species to exploit different ecological niches within a heterogeneous environment. - This diversification occurs due to the different selective pressures present in various habitats, leading to the evolution of distinct traits and adaptations in different descendant species. - Option A accurately describes the process of adaptive radiation, where the initial species undergoes rapid speciation to occupy different ecological roles and adapt to diverse environmental conditions. - Options B, C, and D do not accurately describe adaptive radiation but refer to other evolutionary processes such as convergent evolution, natural selection, and gaps in the fossil record, respectively.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Schwann cells are indeed responsible for producing the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system. These cells wrap around axons to form the myelin sheath, which enhances the speed of nerve impulse conduction. In the central nervous system, oligodendrocytes are responsible for producing the myelin sheath. Astrocytes provide support and maintenance functions for neurons, while neurons are the nerve cells themselves and do not produce myelin. Therefore, the correct answer is Schwann cells as they are specifically involved in myelin production in the peripheral nervous system.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Phagocytosis. Phagocytosis is the process by which cells engulf and break down cellular components or foreign particles for recycling or waste removal. It is a vital mechanism used by cells to maintain homeostasis and remove waste materials. Photosynthesis (A) is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy to produce food, not for breaking down cellular components. Cellular respiration (B) is the process by which cells generate energy from nutrients, not for waste removal. Cell division (C) is the process by which cells replicate and divide to form new cells during growth, repair, or development, not for breaking down cellular components.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Tissues are groups of cells that work together to perform a specific function. They have similar structures that enable them to carry out their specialized functions effectively. Therefore, tissues are defined by both their function and structure, making option B the correct choice. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because tissues are not solely defined by their appearance, location, or age, but rather by the shared function and structure of the cells within them.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is simple columnar epithelium. This type of epithelial tissue is well-suited for absorption and secretion due to its tall, column-like shape and the presence of microvilli on its surface, which increase the surface area for absorption in organs like the intestines. Simple columnar epithelium is the ideal choice for the inner lining of the intestines as it allows for efficient nutrient absorption. Stratified squamous epithelium is typically found in areas subjected to abrasion, like the skin, and not suited for absorption. Stratified cuboidal epithelium is rare and found in specific gland ducts, not in the intestines. Transitional epithelium is specialized for stretching and is primarily found in the urinary system, not involved in absorption processes in the intestines.