Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The strong nuclear force primarily functions to bind protons and neutrons within the nucleus. It is responsible for overcoming the electrostatic repulsion between positively charged protons, holding the nucleus together. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the strong nuclear force specifically acts on nucleons (protons and neutrons) within the nucleus, not on electrons in atomic orbitals or charges outside the nucleus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Patella. The patella is the scientific term for the kneecap, a small, flat, triangular bone situated in front of the knee joint. The femur, tibia, and fibula are also bones in the leg, but they are not synonymous with the kneecap. The femur is the thigh bone, the tibia is the shin bone, and the fibula is the outer lower leg bone. Therefore, the correct term for the kneecap specifically is the patella.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Atrophy is the correct term for the process by which muscle tissue wastes away due to disuse or lack of nutrients. It is essential to differentiate atrophy from hypertrophy, which is the increase in muscle size due to exercise or strength training. Fibrosis involves the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue, which is distinct from muscle wasting. Rigor mortis, on the other hand, is the stiffening of muscles that occurs after death and is not related to muscle wasting during life.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A) Convergent evolution refers to the process by which unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures. This does not involve reciprocal influence between species. B) Divergent evolution refers to the process by which two or more related species become more dissimilar over time due to different selection pressures. This also does not involve reciprocal influence between species. C) Coevolution is the process by which two or more species reciprocally influence each other's evolution through selection pressures exerted on one another. This can lead to a close ecological relationship between the species, such as in predator-prey interactions or mutualistic relationships. D) This option is a duplicate of option C.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A) Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing and is not specifically related to heartburn. B) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the medical term for heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus. C) Peptic ulcer is a sore that develops on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus, and it can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, not specifically heartburn. D) Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon and rectum, and it does not typically cause heartburn.