Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A molecular clock is a method used to estimate the time of divergence between species by measuring the accumulation of mutations in DNA sequences. This method relies on the assumption that mutations occur at a relatively constant rate over time. If the rate of mutation were not constant, it would be challenging to accurately estimate the evolutionary divergence time between species. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate choice as it aligns with the fundamental principle underlying the molecular clock hypothesis. Option B is incorrect because the assumption that species with more morphological similarities diverged more recently does not directly relate to the concept of molecular clocks and the accumulation of mutations in DNA sequences. Option C is incorrect because mutations are not always beneficial and do not always contribute to increased fitness. Mutations can be neutral or deleterious as well, and their accumulation is what is used to estimate evolutionary di

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and structure of an ecosystem due to their significant influence. If a keystone species is removed, it disrupts the delicate food web dynamics and can trigger cascading effects throughout the ecosystem. The disruption in predator-prey relationships can lead to population declines and even extinctions of other species. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because the removal of a keystone species would not decrease competition among other species, cause a slight increase in primary productivity, or have a minimal impact on the overall ecosystem structure. Instead, it would have a profound impact, disrupting the food web and causing cascading effects on other populations.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thoracic duct. The thoracic duct is the largest lymphatic vessel in the body and is responsible for draining lymph from most of the body. The jugular vein, subclavian vein, and aorta are not lymphatic vessels responsible for draining lymph. The jugular vein and subclavian vein are blood vessels, while the aorta is the main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart. Understanding the role and anatomy of the lymphatic system is crucial for comprehending the body's immune response and fluid balance.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The scrotum is the correct answer, as it is the protective sac surrounding the testes in the male reproductive system. The scrotum's role is crucial in maintaining the optimal temperature for proper sperm production by regulating the distance of the testes from the body. The vas deferens is a duct responsible for transporting sperm from the testes to the urethra, not the protective sac surrounding the testes. The epididymis is a coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored before ejaculation, not the protective sac. The urethra is a tube that serves as a common passageway for both urine and semen to exit the body, not the protective sac surrounding the testes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The normal force from the floor is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the box, so it does not contribute to the work being done. Work is only done by forces acting in the direction of motion of an object. In this case, the normal force is acting at a right angle to the motion, hence it does not perform any work on the box. The person's pushing force, the gravitational force, and the frictional force are all acting in the direction of motion of the box, so they contribute to the work being done in moving the box across the floor.