Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances. By doing so, they help to recycle nutrients back into the environment, making them available for other organisms to use. This process is essential for the functioning of ecosystems, as it ensures that nutrients are not lost but instead are continuously cycled through the ecosystem. Photosynthesis (option A) is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, and it is not a role of decomposers. Preying on herbivores (option C) is a role typically carried out by predators, not decomposers. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere (option D) is a process carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, not decomposers.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The Linnaean system of classification, developed by Carl Linnaeus, is based on a hierarchical ranking system where organisms are grouped into categories based on shared characteristics. This system organizes organisms into a hierarchy of increasingly specific categories, from broad to narrow, such as kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. The emphasis on a hierarchical ranking system allows for systematic organization and classification of a wide variety of organisms based on their similarities and differences, making it easier to study and understand the diversity of life forms. Choice A is incorrect because the Linnaean system is not primarily focused on evolutionary relationships but rather on shared characteristics for classification. Choice B is incorrect because dichotomous keys are tools used for identifying organisms, not the fundamental basis of the Linnaean system. Choice C is incorrect as the Linnaean system categorizes organisms based on shared characteristics, not shared functions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A scalar quantity is a physical quantity that has magnitude only, without any direction. Speed is an example of a scalar quantity because it only describes how fast an object is moving without specifying the direction of motion. Velocity, acceleration, and force are vector quantities because they have both magnitude and direction. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Speed.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because velocity, acceleration, and force are all vector quantities that involve both magnitude and direction.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When a wave crosses a boundary between two different media, its speed is the property that remains constant. This is due to the principle of conservation of energy. While the frequency and wavelength of a wave may change as it moves from one medium to another, the speed of the wave remains constant. This phenomenon is a result of the wave adjusting its frequency and wavelength to maintain a consistent speed in different media. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Frequency and wavelength may change when a wave moves across media, and amplitude may also be affected by the medium, but the speed of the wave will remain constant.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Evaporation.' Evaporation is the process by which a liquid changes into a gas at any temperature, while boiling specifically refers to the rapid vaporization of a liquid only at its boiling point. Condensation is the opposite process of gas turning into a liquid, and sublimation is the direct transition from solid to gas without passing through the liquid phase.