What is the term for the phenomenon when two waves combine to form a new wave?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Interference. Interference is the term used to describe the phenomenon when two waves combine to form a new wave. When waves interact constructively or destructively, they interfere with each other, resulting in a new wave pattern. Choice A, Diffraction, refers to the bending of waves around obstacles, not the combination of waves. Choice C, Refraction, is the bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another, not the combination of waves. Choice D, Dispersion, is the separation of light into its different colors, not the combination of waves.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Produces hormones that regulate growth and metabolism. The pituitary gland is often referred to as the 'master gland' because it produces and releases hormones that regulate various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response. It does not filter blood or remove waste products (option B), store and release bile (option C), or produce red blood cells (option D). The pituitary gland's primary role is in hormone production and regulation, influencing many essential functions in the body.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Convergent evolution refers to the process by which different species independently evolve similar traits or characteristics due to similar environmental pressures. In the case of bats and birds, both have evolved wings for flight despite not sharing a recent common ancestor with wings. Bats are mammals, while birds are avians, yet they both have wings adapted for flight, which is a classic example of convergent evolution. A) Humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor and have not independently evolved similar traits. C) Dolphins and sharks are not closely related, and their similarities are due to adaptations to their aquatic environment rather than convergent evolution. D) Snakes and earthworms belong to different classes (reptiles and annelids, respectively) and do not share recent common ancestors, making their similarities not a result of convergent evolution.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: - A) Ecosystem refers to a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. - B) Community specifically refers to a group of organisms of different species living in the same place and interacting with each other. - C) Population refers to a group of individuals of the same species living in the same area. - D) Niche refers to the role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem. In this context, the term for a group of organisms living in the same place and interacting with each other is best described as a community because it involves multiple species interacting within a shared habitat.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A chemical change involves a chemical reaction where new substances are formed. Burning wood to produce ash is an example of a chemical change because the wood undergoes a chemical reaction to form a new substance (ash). In this process, the chemical composition of wood changes to produce ash, which is a new substance. On the other hand, melting ice to form water, dissolving sugar in water, and crushing a can to reduce its size are examples of physical changes. In these instances, the substances may change their physical state or appearance but do not undergo a chemical reaction to form new substances. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer as it represents a chemical change, while choices A, B, and D represent physical changes.