What role does DNA play in evolution?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A) DNA stores genetic information that is passed on from parents to offspring through the process of reproduction. This genetic information contains instructions for the development and functioning of an organism. It serves as the hereditary material that carries the blueprint for an organism's traits and characteristics, allowing for the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next. B) DNA can undergo mutations, which are changes in the genetic sequence. These mutations can introduce new variations in the DNA, leading to genetic diversity within a population. These variations are essential for natural selection and adaptation to changing environments. C) DNA plays a crucial role in regulating the expression of genes. Gene expression determines which proteins are produced in an organism, influencing its traits and characteristics. By controlling gene expression, DNA contributes to the development and maintenance of an organism's traits. D) Therefore, DNA is involved in all of the above processes, making it a key factor in evolution by driving genetic variation, inheritance, and gene expression. The interplay of these functions allows for the diversity and adaptation of species over time, shaping the evolutionary process.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Weight.' Weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity. Mass, on the other hand, refers to the amount of matter in an object. Density is the mass per unit volume of a substance, and volume is the amount of space occupied by an object. In this context, weight specifically relates to the gravitational force acting on an object, making it the most appropriate choice among the options provided.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Density is the property of a substance that measures the amount of matter per unit volume. It is calculated by dividing the mass of an object by its volume. Mass refers to the amount of matter in an object, weight is the force of gravity acting on an object, and volume is the amount of space an object occupies. Therefore, in this context, density is the correct answer as it specifically relates to the concentration of matter within a given volume.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of changes in gravity. Weight, on the other hand, is a measure of the gravitational force acting on an object and varies with changes in gravity. Volume is the amount of space occupied by an object and can change with changes in gravity. Density is the mass of a substance per unit volume and can also change with changes in gravity if the volume changes. Therefore, the correct answer is mass as it remains the same regardless of the gravitational force acting on the object, making it an intrinsic property of the substance.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. This number is crucial as it determines the element's identity and its position on the periodic table. Option B is incorrect because the number of neutrons can vary in isotopes but is not the atomic number. Option C is incorrect as the number of electrons in an atom's valence shell can vary based on the element's charge, not defining the atomic number. Option D is also incorrect because the number of isotopes is not the atomic number of an element.